Rathlin Island and the Giant’s Causeway: How to Do Both in a Weekend

Northern Ireland’s north Antrim coast is one of the most dramatically beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe. And within a twenty-mile stretch of that coast, you’ll find two of the most extraordinary natural attractions in the British Isles: the world-famous Giant’s Causeway and the wild, remote magic of Rathlin Island.

Many visitors to Northern Ireland tick one or the other off their list. Far fewer realise that both are entirely achievable in a single weekend — and that combining them creates one of the finest short break itineraries in Ireland.

Why Combine Both?

The Giant’s Causeway and Rathlin Island are contrasting experiences that complement each other perfectly. The Causeway — with its extraordinary UNESCO-listed basalt columns, excellent visitor centre and well-worn tourist trail — is dramatic, geological and deservedly famous. Rathlin — with its puffin colonies, 7,000 years of history and population of 150 souls — is wild, intimate and increasingly hard to find in a crowded world.

Both can be reached from Ballycastle, which sits almost exactly between them and makes the perfect base. The Giant’s Causeway is about 20 miles west of Ballycastle along the A2 coastal road. The Rathlin Island Ferry departs from Ballycastle Harbour.

The Weekend Itinerary

Friday Evening — Arrive in Ballycastle

Drive to Ballycastle on Friday evening and check into your accommodation. The town has a good selection of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering options, and the harbour area has pubs and restaurants for dinner. Spend a few minutes at the harbour looking out towards Rathlin Island — on a clear evening, the island’s white cliffs are visible across the water, which sets the scene perfectly for the next morning.

Saturday — Rathlin Island

Dedicate Saturday entirely to Rathlin Island. Take the first morning ferry from Ballycastle Harbour — typically around 9:00am in summer. The 45-minute crossing is itself enjoyable, with views of the Antrim coast, the Scottish islands and regular seabird activity.

On Rathlin, follow our day trip itinerary: visit the Boathouse Visitor Centre, take the Puffin Bus (or cycle) to the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre, spend at least 90 minutes watching the puffins and seabirds, walk back to Church Bay, have lunch at McCuaig’s Bar, and use the afternoon for a second activity — the Roonivoolin Trail, a boat tour, or exploring Bruce’s Cave at the East Lighthouse.

Take the late afternoon ferry back to Ballycastle, arriving in time for dinner. You will feel very satisfied with a day well spent.

Sunday — The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast

Sunday is for the Giant’s Causeway and the spectacular coast road between Ballycastle and Bushmills. Set off mid-morning and take the scenic A2 coastal route westward — this road, which forms part of the Causeway Coastal Route, is one of the most beautiful drives in Europe.

Highlights en route include:

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — just a few miles west of Ballycastle, this famous rope bridge connects the mainland to a small island across a 30-metre chasm. Book in advance during summer.
• Ballintoy Harbour — a picturesque fishing harbour that featured as the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones. Worth a short stop.
• The Giant’s Causeway — arrive at the National Trust visitor centre, explore the Causeway itself, and allow at least two to three hours. The cliff path walk above the Causeway is as spectacular as the columns themselves.
• Bushmills — Ireland’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, just two miles from the Causeway, offers guided tours and tastings.

Practical Information

where to stay in Ballycastle

Ballycastle has a good range of accommodation, from comfortable hotels and traditional B&Bs to self-catering apartments. Book in advance for summer weekends, particularly during puffin season when demand is high. Staying in Ballycastle itself, within walking distance of the ferry terminal, is the most convenient option for the Rathlin day trip.

Getting Around

A car is strongly recommended for this weekend itinerary. The coastal road between Ballycastle and the Giant’s Causeway is best enjoyed at your own pace with the freedom to stop at viewpoints. Public transport connections in the area exist but are limited.

Best Time of Year

This weekend itinerary works at any time of year, but is best from late April to September when the Rathlin puffins are present and the weather is most reliable. Late May and June are ideal — the puffins are at peak numbers, the coastal wildflowers are in bloom, and the days are long.

A Word on Sequencing

Some visitors prefer to do the Giant’s Causeway on Saturday and Rathlin on Sunday. Either order works well. However, we slightly prefer Rathlin first for a simple reason: if the weather turns rough on Sunday and the Rathlin ferry is cancelled, you will have missed the island rather than just the Causeway — and the Causeway, being on the mainland, can always be rescheduled more easily. Check the weather forecast carefully before you travel.