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The Great Britain Guide

Islands · Northern Ireland

Rathlin Island

Also known as: Ynys Rathlin, Reachlainn, Eilean Reachlainn

Free admission

Rathlin Island — island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK.

Rathlin Island, islands in Northern Ireland

Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence

Plan your visit

Typical visit
4 h–12 h
  • Free entry
  • Dog-friendly

About

Rathlin Island is a island in the United Kingdom. It covers approximately 14 km². Recent population estimates put it at around 150 people. Part of British Isles. Wikidata describes it as: "island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK". Coordinates: 55.2950°, -6.1975°.

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From the Wikipedia article

Rathlin Island (Irish: Reachlainn, pronounced [ˈɾˠaxlən̠ʲ]; Local Irish dialect: Reachraidh, Irish pronunciation: [ˈɾˠaxɾˠi]; Scots: Racherie) is an island and civil parish off the coast of County Antrim (of which it is part) in Northern Ireland. It is Northern Ireland's northernmost point. As of the 2021 Census there were 141 people living on the island.

Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.

Background

History

Rathlin was probably known to the Romans, Pliny referring to "Reginia" and Ptolemy to "Rhicina" or "Eggarikenna". In the 7th century, Adomnán mentions "Rechru" and "Rechrea insula", which may also have been early names for Rathlin. The 11th century Irish version of the Historia Brittonum states that the Fir Bolg "took possession of Man and of other islands besides – Arran, Islay and 'Racha'" – another possible early variant. Rathlin was the site of the first Viking raid on Ireland, according to the Annals of Ulster. The pillaging of the island's church and burning of its buildings took place in 795. In 1306, Robert the Bruce sought refuge upon Rathlin, owned by the Irish Bissett family. He…

Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Coordinates
55.2950, -6.1975
Postcode
BT54 6RT
Parliamentary constituency
North Antrim
Population
150

Sources

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Rathlin Island?
Rathlin Island is in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (postcode BT54 6RT).
Is Rathlin Island free to visit?
Yes, Rathlin Island is free to enter.
How do I get to Rathlin Island?
Drivers can navigate to postcode BT54 6RT. It sits within the North Antrim parliamentary constituency.