Rathlin Island is, as I said, to my knowledge the only inhabiited island in Northern Ireland. The photo below does justice to its beauty set only six miles off the coast from Ballycastle the little ferry (no cars allowed) travels up to five times daily in both directions and costs about 10.60 pounds or Euro 12 for the return trip. 
As you can see agricultural vehicles are carried as well as animals (sheep) for local markets. 
. But before we commence let us take a look back on the previous day and set how our trip along the North Antrim coast is progressing. Remember we started at Portstweart (very lefy hand side of the map below and continued through Portrush, Bushmills, the Giant's Causeway and Torr Head to Ballycastle. Today is the day we visit the little island at the top of the map. 
The trip takes some 20 minutes and we arrive in Church Bay and the village village. The island also has a primary school with one teacher and the older children now cross over to Ballycastle on a daily basis to attend other schools as they get older. Refreshingly enough, Rathlin island's population is growing and now numbers over 100 people. During the 1970's there were worries that the island would become deserted as the younger generation left to find employment and a better life on the mainland. Now there is a slight increase although I do not think holiday homes or buildign is allowed on accoutn of an awareness to preserve the natural environment. The island is a bird wacther's paradise with puffin colonies as well as flora such as wild orchid. Here you can find more information about the Rathlin Island Seabird Center.
To my knoweldge there is a small bed and breakfast for those wishing to stay the night and in the village there is a tea room so you will not starve. Last boat back is around 5/5:30 p.m.
As you can see agricultural vehicles are carried as well as animals (sheep) for local markets. 
. But before we commence let us take a look back on the previous day and set how our trip along the North Antrim coast is progressing. Remember we started at Portstweart (very lefy hand side of the map below and continued through Portrush, Bushmills, the Giant's Causeway and Torr Head to Ballycastle. Today is the day we visit the little island at the top of the map. 
The trip takes some 20 minutes and we arrive in Church Bay and the village village. The island also has a primary school with one teacher and the older children now cross over to Ballycastle on a daily basis to attend other schools as they get older. Refreshingly enough, Rathlin island's population is growing and now numbers over 100 people. During the 1970's there were worries that the island would become deserted as the younger generation left to find employment and a better life on the mainland. Now there is a slight increase although I do not think holiday homes or buildign is allowed on accoutn of an awareness to preserve the natural environment. The island is a bird wacther's paradise with puffin colonies as well as flora such as wild orchid. Here you can find more information about the Rathlin Island Seabird Center.To my knoweldge there is a small bed and breakfast for those wishing to stay the night and in the village there is a tea room so you will not starve. Last boat back is around 5/5:30 p.m.
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