Bird sanctuary on Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is an island off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland, and is the northernmost point of the province. A ferry connects the main port of the island, Church Bay, with the mainland at Ballycastle. Rathlin is located only 25 km from the Mull of Kintyre, a Scottish peninsula. The L-shaped island is 7 km from east to west, and 4 km from north to south.
Rathlin is one of 43 Special Areas of Conservation in Northern Ireland. It is home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including Kittiwakes, Puffins and Razorbills – about 30 bird families in total. The cliffs on this relatively bare island are impressive, standing 70 metres tall. Bruce's Cave is named after Robert (the) Bruce, also known as Robert I of Scotland.
The island has permanent inhabitants, and overnight accommodation is present on the island, there are around 30 beds. The visitors' centre at Church Bay is open in May and August, with minibus tours and bicycle hire available.
See also: Conservation in the United Kingdom
