The Rathlin Ferry Service is a ‘lifeline’ ferry link between Rathlin Island, which is Northern Ireland’s only, inhabited offshore island, and the mainland.  Rathlin Island is located 6 miles from Ballycastle, off the northeast Antrim coast, and has a resident population of around 80 people. However, during the summer period the resident population rises to around 150.  The ferry service is the only public means available to access and egress the Island.

Historically, a ferry service between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle was provided by the islanders themselves using converted fishing boats. In 1991, the two existing ferry operators on Rathlin Island approached the then Department of the Environment to seek some form of subsidy as they were experiencing financial difficulties. The Department recognised that action would have to be taken to improve the ferry service in order to halt the decline in Rathlin’s population, to encourage tourism and improve economic prospects.

The current Rathlin Ferry service is run by Rathlin Ferries Ltd a subsidiary company to Caledonian MacBrayne since 1997, since this time the popularity of the island has greatly improved with the ferry carrying 49,515 passengers.

Rathlin Current Publications

Current Rathlin Island Events Flyer and Current Ferry Timetable

Current Discounts on the Rathlin Island Ferry Service