Day Trips

Rathlin Island Day Trip

Northern Ireland's Only Inhabited Offshore Island

Full Day (9 hours)👥 Up to 7 passengers£360 (1–3) · £460 (4–8)
Book This Tour

About This Tour

Explore Rathlin Island — Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island and an RSPB nature reserve. Our private tour takes you from Belfast to Ballycastle by private car, then a ferry crossing to Rathlin for seabirds, dramatic cliffs, and the historic West Light Seabird Centre.

Tour Highlights

  • Rathlin Island ferry from Ballycastle
  • RSPB Seabird Centre
  • Tens of thousands of nesting seabirds (puffins, razorbills)
  • Robert the Bruce Cave
  • Coastal cliff walks
  • Ballycastle village

Itinerary

7:30 AM
Belfast Pickup
Early start for the full day.
9:00 AM
Ballycastle
Arrive at Ballycastle harbour for the Rathlin Island ferry.
9:15 AM
Rathlin Island Ferry
25-minute crossing to the island (ferry tickets approx. £12.40 return pp).
9:40 AM
Rathlin Island Exploration
Explore the island including the RSPB Seabird Centre and dramatic cliff views.
2:00 PM
Return Ferry
Ferry back to Ballycastle.
2:25 PM
Ballycastle Lunch
Lunch in Ballycastle (own expense).
3:30 PM
Return to Belfast
Comfortable return journey.

Included

  • Private Mercedes V-Class
  • Expert guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • All parking

Not Included

  • Rathlin Island ferry (£12.40 pp return)
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rathlin Island?

May to July is best for seabirds, especially puffins. The island is accessible year-round but activity is greatest in summer.

Is the ferry suitable for those prone to seasickness?

The crossing is just 25 minutes and generally calm, but can be choppy in rough weather. We recommend sea sickness tablets for sensitive travellers.

Tour Details

Duration
Full Day (9 hours)
Group Size
Up to 7 passengers
Vehicle
Mercedes V-Class
Hotel Pickup
Included
Price
£360 (1–3) · £460 (4–8)
Book This Tour

Private • Fully customisable • Fixed price

Book the Rathlin Island Day Trip

Private, fully customisable, expert local guide. Contact us for your fixed-price quote.

Fixed prices • No hidden fees • 24/7 service • Luxury Mercedes V-Class