
Holiday rentals in Rathlin Island
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Top-rated holiday rentals in Rathlin Island
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Other great holiday rentals in Rathlin Island

The Grange, Portrush Deluxe Sleeps 13 Dog-friendly
We had a great few days in Joanne’s property. It was perfect for our two families to share. Lots of space for ten of us to stay over, plus an extra three family members who live locally to join us in the evenings. Everything you could want was provided. The place was extremely clean, comfortable and spacious. Joanne reached out very briefly on the evening of our arrival to make sure all was okay and she was responsive on the two occasions we needed to check something. Great communication throughout. I would highly recommend this property for any large group visiting the causeway coast.

Stunning coastal holiday home
We had an amazing time for my Mums 70th at Paul's house. The house and the facilities were excellent. The views are wonderful and there's so much to explore in the local area. We felt extremely welcome by the birthday decorations the host had left for us and it set the tone for a great weekend. The house was perfect for a family with toys left for our young family members and the stairs was safely secured. We would highly recommend this place. Thanks Paul and Cheryl :)

Waterfront/Hot Tub/Sauna/5 bed
We had a wonderful stay here for my mum's 60th birthday. The location is incredible, and the house is huge and very comfortable. Honestly couldn't have picked a better location for the celebrations. We went out in Ballycastle one night and had pre-booked taxis back to the house which were very reasonable. Highly recommend!

Cosy home from home, central to all attractions.
A new favourite for us! John was the most proactive and helpful host we have encountered and we can’t thank him and Louise enough for letting us stay in their wonderful place.

Millrush house, Portstewart
A beautiful house and had everything we needed and more!

The View at Whiterocks
We had a great family weekend at Ruth’s place. Everything was absolutely perfect and the downstairs bedroom and shower room was ideal for an elderly grandparent. The place was spotless and the view over the coast is truly spectacular. Ruth was a great host and very easy to get in touch with.

Edith Cottage
The moment I arrived … my mum actually cried with happiness It is the most perfect air b&b we have ever stayed in I’ve stayed in lots of cottages in Ballintoy and by far this is the best Pictures don’t even do it justice It was so cosy and warm. I loved having a luxurious bath every night The place could not be more clean and organised. Every drawer is immaculate with everything you need The smell as you walk in is beautiful The towels are fluffy and like a 5 star hotel They haven’t done anything on the cheap here , the linen on the beds , the towels the curtains … all the little small things that usually is overlooked hasn’t been here . It truely is a luxury experience Even the carpets are super fluffy ! We had 3 adults and 3 kids and it was great as the kids hung out in the ‘den’ so we could have the living room The big table was great for board games (which Dora provided ) so we played most evenings We also had a huge welcome basket on arrival. Book this cottage !!

Home with Private Hot Tub - Straidkilly Lookout.
This is our family’s second stay at Straidkilly Lookout. Last year was during my birthday celebration. This year is my husband’s. I guess it’s gonna be a yearly affair! The view is to die for. The hot tub is fantastic - both day and nightime. Franceska is a super host — very prompt at answering our requests, queries and what-have-yous. Her Dad is so prompt at sorting out the wifi issue and even changed the water of the hot tub on our 2nd night. I have recommended this place to my friends. And they have already booked the place this coming July! We will come back next year!
Your guide to Rathlin Island
All About Rathlin Island
A lushly green landmass off the coast of Northern Ireland and part of County Antrim, Rathlin Island is the only inhabited island in the region. The population may be tiny, with only around 150 permanent residents, but the dramatic 70-metre-high sea cliffs are home to huge numbers of seabirds, including colourful puffins that are delightful to observe from April to July. A cliff-top walking trail at Roonivoolin offers the opportunity to breathe in the sea air as you take in the dramatic, rocky coastline. Keep an eye out for Irish hare on the path, and you may be lucky enough to spot seals on the beach and Minke whales among the waves.
Just 10 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, the rugged yet tranquil region is part of the Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Only four kilometres off the coast of the mainland, Rathlin Island is a popular addition to the Causeway Coastal Route. While the island’s soaring cliffs and incredible views are what draw visitors today, the island is steeped in rich history, which you can learn about at the Rathlin Island Boathouse Visitor’s Centre.
The best time to stay in a holiday rental in Rathlin Island
Many visitors come for the peak seabird nesting season — April to July — when the rugged cliffs and green meadows swarm with hundreds of thousands of birds raising their fluffy chicks on the rocky ledges. During the spring and summer, you’ll find the warmest weather, though the island never gets too hot or too cold. The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival takes place each May, when Viking longboats and traditional Irish vessels sail from Ballycastle to the island. Music and dance, craft stalls, and delicious food are all part of the experience. The winter brings lower temperatures and higher winds, and this is a very quiet time on the island, with many businesses and attractions closed for the season.
Top things to do in Rathlin Island
West Light Seabird Centre
Rathlin is a special area of conservation for birdlife, with significant breeding colonies for guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, corncrakes, kittiwakes, great skua, and the rare red-billed chough. At the West Light Seabird Centre, open March through September, you can learn why Rathlin is so important to birdlife, and the substantial viewing platform has binoculars and telescopes to get a closer look at the different birds.
Boathouse Visitor Centre
Rathlin Island has a fascinating history dating back to the Mesolithic Period, which you can learn all about at the Boathouse Visitor Centre. Specifically, the centre celebrates its most famous legend: the 14th-century Scottish king Robert the Bruce fled to the island during his darkest time and was inspired by the perseverance of a spider weaving her web to retake his crown. The centre is open seven days a week from April to September, and you can also catch bus tours and hire bicycles here.
The Lighthouses
The unusual L shape of Rathlin Island means that it is home to not one but three lighthouses. The oldest, at the eastern end of the island, is situated on the cliffs above Robert the Bruce’s Cave. The classically striped Rue Lighthouse offers the opportunity to see seals basking on the rocks near the track. The West Lighthouse is Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse — with the light at the bottom rather than the top. All three are part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland Trail and have been keeping ships safe for over 100 years.
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