Rathlin Island Travel Guide

Early Settlers

Archaeologists believe that Rathlin Island was one of the first Irish islands inhabited, somewhere between 6,000 to 5,000 BC. Records suggest these settlers came over from Scotland. As far back as the Neolithic era, Rathlin had a stone tool factory. Many of the distinctive porcellanite axes from this era have been found throughout Europe and the UK. Several cists were also discovered on the island. Cists are essentially stone slabs set in the ground in a box-like structure and used for burials in the Bronze Age. These show that, despite its isolation, humans have inhabited the island for centuries. Rathlin Island is an archaeologist’s dream, as there is evidence from several historical periods.

Vikings

Due to Rathlin’s location between Ireland and Scotland, it was directly in the path of raiders like the Vikings. They first attacked and pillaged the island in 795 AD, and it was the first Irish island to be terrorised by the Vikings. Eventually, the Vikings ended up settling on Rathlin. They used the island as a base for exporting silver and other valuables back to their native land.

A Harrowing Past

Although a small island, Rathlin has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed. In 1557, in an attempt to impose the customs and laws of England during his Ulster expedition, Sir Henry Sidney decimated the island’s population.

Not even 20 years later, in 1575, another massacre occurred on Rathlin. This time, Francis Drake and John Norreys led a force to the island. They slaughtered hundreds of women, children and the elderly of Clan MacDonnell, who had travelled to Rathlin to seek refuge.

Again, in 1642, the island was attacked by Scottish Campbell soldiers. Campbell ordered the soldiers to kill the MacDonalds who resided on Rathlin. The MacDonald men stood up to fight against the Campbells despite being outnumbered. Once the Campbell soldiers annihilated them, they threw the MacDonald women over the cliff edge to the cold sea and rocks below. It’s unknown how many people perished during this battle; some figures state it as low as a hundred or as high as three thousand.

Ownership Disputes

Although close to Northern Ireland, Rathlin Island is only 18 km/11 miles from the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The proximity to both countries led to ownership disputes between them throughout history. In 1617, authorities took a rather unconventional approach to settling the matter.

As St. Patrick had banished all the snakes from Ireland, a snake was released on Rathlin as a test. If it lived, the island would be under Scotland’s control; if the snake died, it would belong to Ireland. The snake died, and Ireland became the rightful owner of Rathlin Island.

Industry

During the 1700s and 1800s, Rathlin’s salt rocks formed a prominent part of its economy. On the east of the island lies Pans Rocks, the location of the evaporation pans for producing the salt.

From the late 1700s until the 1930s, the island was a significant centre for gathering and processing kelp. Back then, locals used kelp to produce bleach for linen makers throughout Northern Ireland and Scotland. After the Napoleonic Wars, the demand for kelp rapidly declined. However, you can still see the remains of low-drying walls and kilns used for processing on the island today.

Ballyconaghan Trail

A National Trust trail that will lead you through many different habitats like heathlands, mire and fen. You might be lucky enough to spot wild hares, skylarks and dragonflies.
Distance: 2 km/1.3 miles

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Roonivoolin Trail

This loop trail offers striking panoramas of both the Irish and Scottish coastlines. On the track itself, you have many opportunities for bird watching. Birds such as skylarks, peregrines and lapwings might be spotted on this walk.
Distance: 6.4km/4 miles

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Kebble Cliff Trail

Embarking on this loop walk will offer you an array of breathtaking sights during the changing seasons. Passing by Kebble Lough and around the Kebble cliffs, you’re assured of impressive views of the turbulent ocean.
Distance: 3.8 km/2.4 miles

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Kinramer North Trail

Although short, this trail is challenging as it includes ascending and descending rock faces and trawling through some uneven terrain. It will bring you through woodlands and around cliff edges.
Distance: 2.4 km/1.5 miles

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Kinramer South Path

For the adventurers, this trail doesn’t have a clear path and will bring you through meadows, heathland, and along cliff edges. Signposts are there to guide you around the route, but exercise caution around the cliffs.
Distance: 2.2km/1.4 miles

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Rathlin Trail

The Rathlin Trail leads you from the Rue Point Lighthouse to Kinramer South. This track is joined to the other walks mentioned, so it can be extended if you want to explore more of the island.
Distance: 6.4 km/4 miles

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