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Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
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Language
English
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Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
May–Aug
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Typical Duration
9-19 nights
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Price Range
$7,734–$25,669 per person
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
Yes
A remote and rugged island destination offering dramatic coastal scenery, rich Celtic heritage, and access to Northern Ireland's wild Atlantic coastline for luxury expedition cruises.
Cruises that visit Rathlin Island
- cruises to Rathlin Island
- Rathlin Island sailings
- Rathlin Island cruises
- 22-night Seabourn cruise
- 23-night Seabourn cruise
- 25-night Seabourn cruise
- 26-night Seabourn cruise
- 37-night Seabourn cruise
- 40-night Seabourn cruise
- 40-night Seabourn cruise
- 52-night Seabourn cruise
- 56-night Seabourn cruise
- 57-night Seabourn cruise
- 67-night Seabourn cruise
- 68-night Seabourn cruise
- 70-night Seabourn cruise
- 71-night Seabourn cruise
- 81-night Seabourn cruise
- 82-night Seabourn cruise
- 86-night Seabourn cruise
- 96-night Seabourn cruise
Build Your Day in Rathlin Island
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Giant's Causeway
It is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland .
Carrick-a-Rede - National Trust
Fantastic views of Rathlin island and the Scottish coast.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Ballintoy Harbour
On clear days the views are stunning over towards Rathlin Island.
The Fullerton Arms
Had dinner one night and it was the best meal we had in Ireland.
Kinbane Castle
Stunning views of Scotland and Rathlan Island.
Causeway Coastal Route
You can visit typical Irish villages and distilleries along the way.
ANZAC BAR, RESTAURANT & OFF SALES
Hands down the best restaurant in Northern Ireland!
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre
If you go to Rathlin island this is the attraction.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Rathlin Island Ferry
Absolutely brilliant and Rathlin Island is beautiful, well worth a visit 👍🤗
The Cellar Restaurant
The best dinner and service since arriving in Ireland.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
McCuaig’s Bar
A must place to stop when visiting Rathlin Island great food as well
🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Carrick-A-Rede Bar and Restaurant
Best food and restaurant during my trip in Northern Ireland, enough said.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Rathlin Island Ferry Port
Rathlin Island side of the ferry line between the mainland and the island.
The Manor House
Beautiful place in Rathlin Island.
Rathlin Island
Picturesque, L-shaped island
Thirty Nine Steak And Seafood Restaurant
🕐 Temporarily closed
Kelp House
Plus seals hang out nearby
The Lookout
Absolutely delicious meal with incredible views of Rathlin Island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Standing Stone
I travelled from Texas to see this rock.
Rathlin West Lighthouse
Definitely an iconic David Attenborough Wild Isles must do and feel
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Rathlin Glamping Pods
Fantastic, tranquil stay on Rathlin Island.
Rue Point Lighthouse
Totally worth the walk.
Rathlin East Lighthouse
Beautiful island, wish we'd have had more time there.
19 by Katherine Carr
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Fri
Café Lazybird
Me and my wife went to Rathlin for our honeymoon and we’re just back.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Rathlin Co-op Shop
In-store shopping·Curbside pickup·Delivery
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Breakwater Studio
Definitely worth a visit when on Rathlin
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre (Seasonal Opening week before Easter (March 30th 2026) to September
A nice little information on Rathlin packed centre.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
RSPB Roonivoolin Trail
You walk this and back easily to the harbour / town centre!
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Island Treasures
A lovely shop with a wonderful collection of souvenirs and local treasures!
Rathlin South Lighthouse
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island serves as a scenic port of call for cruise travelers exploring Northern Europe's dramatic coastline. Two distinguished cruise lines—Seabourn and PONANT EXPLORATIONS—call at this intimate destination, offering six upcoming sailings throughout the year. Most voyages feature nine-night itineraries that combine Rathlin Island with other compelling stops including Dublin, Douglas, Portrush, Dover, and London, making it an ideal addition to a broader Celtic and British Isles exploration. The peak season runs through May, June, and August, when longer daylight hours showcase the island's rugged natural beauty.
Stepping ashore, passengers discover a remote island steeped in history and natural wonder. The iconic Rathlin Island Lighthouse and dramatic sea cliffs provide unforgettable photo opportunities, while the island's rich cultural heritage offers insights into centuries of Irish maritime tradition. With its small, welcoming community and pristine landscapes, Rathlin Island delivers an authentic Northern Ireland experience that larger ports simply cannot match.
Stepping ashore, passengers discover a remote island steeped in history and natural wonder. The iconic Rathlin Island Lighthouse and dramatic sea cliffs provide unforgettable photo opportunities, while the island's rich cultural heritage offers insights into centuries of Irish maritime tradition. With its small, welcoming community and pristine landscapes, Rathlin Island delivers an authentic Northern Ireland experience that larger ports simply cannot match.
Cruise Lines at Rathlin Island
- Seabourn (20 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Rathlin Island
Cruises Visiting Rathlin Island
Ship Schedule at Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island Location
Other Cruise Ports in Northern Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rathlin Island?
Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island, located off County Antrim.
How can I reach Rathlin Island?
Access is by passenger ferry from Ballycastle; check schedules and maritime conditions.
What are the top attractions on Rathlin Island?
The West Light Seabird Centre, dramatic sea cliffs, and coastal walking trails.
When is the best time to visit Rathlin Island?
Late spring to early autumn; seabird season is May to June.