Rathlin Island, Island in County Antrim, United Kingdom
Rathlin Island is an inhabited island off the north coast of County Antrim, lying between the Northern Irish mainland and Scotland. The landscape features steep rocky cliffs along the northern shore, rolling hills across the interior, and gentler bays on the southern side with small settlements dotted along the coastline.
The island witnessed a massacre in 1575 when English forces under the Earl of Essex killed hundreds of islanders and Scottish mercenaries sheltering there. During the 19th century the population dropped from over 1000 to fewer than 100 due to famine and emigration.
The island cemetery sits sheltered in Church Bay, where Catholic and Protestant gravestones stand side by side reflecting the mixed community. Islanders maintain a close-knit way of life centered around the Boathouse Centre, where music sessions and shared meals mark the rhythm of daily gatherings.
The ferry from Ballycastle runs several times daily year-round, with more frequent crossings during summer months. Visitors should bring weatherproof clothing as wind remains noticeable even on calm days, and walking between sites usually requires covering considerable ground on foot.
The kelp farm in the harbor grows seaweed for culinary and cosmetic use, taking advantage of the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the island. During spring thousands of puffins nest on the cliffs at Kebble, where visitors can observe the birds at close range.
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