The Rathlin Island Ferry — Everything You Need to Know
Getting to Rathlin Island means getting on a boat. There is no bridge, no tunnel and no airport. The only way to reach Northern Ireland’s most northerly inhabited island is by ferry from Ballycastle on the north Antrim coast, and that short sea crossing is very much part of the experience.
Here is everything you need to know before you travel.
The Ferry Route
The Rathlin Island ferry operates between Ballycastle Harbour and Church Bay on Rathlin Island. The service is run by Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd and operates year round, though with significantly more crossings during the summer visitor season between April and September.
Ballycastle is easy to reach from Belfast, taking roughly an hour and fifteen minutes by road via the A26 and A44. From Dublin the drive is around three hours. The harbour is well signed from the town centre, and pay and display parking is available nearby. For more on getting to Ballycastle, see our guide to Ballycastle.
How Long Does the Crossing Take?
The Rathlin Island ferry crossing from Ballycastle takes approximately 45 minutes each way. The journey passes through the North Channel, one of the busiest stretches of water between Ireland and Scotland, and on a clear day you can see the Scottish coastline from the deck. Keep your eyes open during the crossing as gannets, guillemots and razorbills are regularly spotted, and dolphins are seen fairly often during summer months.
Timetables and Frequency
During the peak visitor season, typically May to August, the ferry runs several times a day in each direction. The first morning crossing from Ballycastle usually departs around 9am, with return sailings throughout the day and a final crossing back from the island in the late afternoon or early evening.
Outside of peak season, crossings reduce in frequency. In winter the service runs less often and is more likely to be affected by weather cancellations. Always check the current timetable directly with Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd before you travel, as schedules do change.
Do I Need to Book in Advance?
During summer, particularly at weekends and on fine days, yes absolutely. The Rathlin Island ferry fills up quickly in June and July, and turning up at the harbour without a booking is a risk not worth taking. Booking online in advance is straightforward and strongly recommended from April onwards.
Outside of peak season, walk on availability is usually easier to find, but booking ahead is always the sensible approach.
Can I Take a Car to Rathlin Island?
General visitors cannot take cars to Rathlin Island on the ferry. The island has no car hire either, so once you arrive you are on foot, on a bicycle or on the Puffin Bus, a seasonal minibus service that meets incoming ferries and runs to the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre. Bikes can be hired at Church Bay harbour.
Park your car at Ballycastle Harbour before boarding. Pay and display parking is available close to the ferry terminal.
Can I Bring My Dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Rathlin Island ferry and on the island itself. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times once on Rathlin to protect the island’s ground nesting birds and livestock.
A Few Final Tips
Bring cash for the return journey and for the Puffin Bus, as card payment is not always reliable on the island. Dress in layers regardless of the forecast, as conditions on the water can differ from what it looks like on shore. And if the sea looks a little choppy, do not worry too much. The crossing is short, the crew are experienced, and the island waiting for you at the other end is well worth it.
For everything else you need to plan your visit to Rathlin Island, including what to do, where to stay and what to pack, explore the rest of our visitor guides.