RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre — Attraction in Northern Ireland

A great thing to do while on holiday in the North West.

Never been to Rathlin before, despite holidaying in the North West more times than I can remember! A short journey on Kintra Boat Tours (about 40 mins) took us to the Island. Saw a few sea birds along the way. The Island itself is very quaint and quiet. For £5 per adult, return, a converted school bus took us to the Seabird Centre. Another £5 per adult to see the birds and a walk down 100 steps, taking in magnificent elevated views of rocky coastline before we got to the viewing platform to see the birds. It's probably around 440ft above sea level but fenced off very well and was very safe. A few representatives of the RSPB were available to provide binoculars and viewing scopes as well as to talk about the birds. Several types of birds were visible including the usual gulls but we also got glimpses of puffins. If you want photos of the Puffins you will need a very long lens probably around 600-800mm!

Viewing the interior of the lighthouse is also possible on the same visit and was quite educational.

Coffee tea and toilets were available in the main building at the top of the steps.

There was plenty of time to do everything before the bus came back to collect us and take it back to the harbour in time for us to catch the boat back to...

Beautiful scenery on route from the harbour to the centre, travelling via the island bus service. While on the bus, you can listen to a recording of the history and facts about the island. We bought tickets on arrival. Approx. 100 steps down to the viewing area, but they're split into a number of flights so it's not too difficult if you're OK walking. Only takes ~5mins to get down or up again. Staff at the viewing area hand out binoculars to give you a close-up view and can tell you all about the various birds and wildlife. A real opportunity to see something not common to many other coastal regions. There's also a small indoor exhibition down at the lower viewing platform. You can learn about the workings of the fog horn, and take the short path down to the 'upside-down' lighthouse. For anyone not wishing to make the descent, it is possible to view part of the bird colony from just outside the rear door of the welcome centre - just not as close or as good a view in comparison to the lower platform. There are toilets (incl. disabled and baby-change), a vending machine and self-serve tea/coffee facilities. Bike rack stand outside for anyone cycling to it. Distance from the harbour is - 4.5 miles. Quiet single-track road with lots of hills and...

Ireland’s hidden gem! It doesn’t matter when you visit Rathlin if you like to be at one with nature. But if you want to get close up & personal with a seabird breeding colony, then visit the RSPB Seabird Centre during the season April-September; best June/July. You will see Guillimots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars & of course the ubiquitous puffins. Due to climatic & environmental issues, puffin numbers have declined rapidly by circa 50% in the last 10 years, so you will only see these at a distance. The RSPB do provide binoculars, if you don’t have your own. Plus’s there are lots of other birds to see, gulls, skua, gannets, pipits, skylarks & if you’re luck hear or sed corncrake, the last breeding population in Northern Ireland.

Mammals include, common & bottlenosed dolphins, harbour porpoise,?perhaps other cetaceans, & common & grey seals. Also the Irish brown hare, plus the golden hare if you’re really lucky. You can get the bus from the ferry, but if you want to see the island, then walk the 4.5 miles to the west lighthouse. Look out for the orchids & the carnivorous butterwort plants.

A true wildlife oasis, if you open your eyes. If you haven’t yet been, then now’s the time to go. It’s...