Rathlin Island

travelbarbi · Member

Rathlin Island

Michele Erdvig · Host

Barbi,

Welcome to the forum. I am delighted that you are visiting Northern Ireland. It is a wonderful place to explore. I suppose it is possible to hire a local boat to take you to Rathlin Island and back if the ferry times do not suit you. It would probably be pretty pricey though. This is the ferry link: http://www.calmac.co.uk/Rathlin

The best times for birdwatching are May and June. Bruce's cave is only accessible by boat. It is located beneath the east lighthouse at Altacarry Head.

BTW, It is quite a hike to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Wear comfortable shoes and give yourselves plenty of time in your schedule.

If you have the stamina on your first day I highly recommend Torr Road (signposted from Cushendun).

Michele

travelbarbi · Member

Michele,

Thank you so much for your reply. Do you pick up the boat to go to the Bruce's cave on the island or from Ballycastle? Do you know how to contact someone about a boat for hire to Rathlin?

Also, I thought Carrick-a-rede bridge was close to the Giant's Causeway. How long of a hike is it out to the bridge?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Barbi,

The rope bridge is several miles from the Giant's Causeway near Ballintoy. As for how long it takes to walk from the parking lot to the bridge, depends on your fitness level. It goes up hills and down, up steps and down so it is quite a hike. Could be anywhere from 15-45 minutes.

You will have to make direct inquiries to the boat hire companies as to where they go and the exact routes of the tours. Your B&B may also have contacts so ask them. See link below.

http://www.seatreks-ireland.com/boattrips.asp?id=2

Michele

Liam · Member

Carrick-a-Rede is not a park the car, cross the bridge and leave type of stop. The coastal walk to the bridge is 1 km (3/4 mile), and it took me about an hour and half for the whole experience. It was high season, so I wasn't able to walk at full clip...and had to wait behind slower walkers at the various sets of stairs. The slower pace was really enjoyable and crossing the bridge was quite a thrill. On the mainland side, they have a viewing area to enjoy...especially for those who are too afraid to cross (anyone with a serious fear of heights should skip this stop).

Otherwise, driving between the bridge and the Causeway is a snap...onwards to Bushmills and Dunluce are easy trips as well. A little further west of Dunluce is Downhill...which is a ruined estate, I really enjoyed the "temple" and glens there.

travelbarbi · Member

Fantastic! Thank you so much!

travelbarbi · Member

Liam,

Thank you for your reply. We love to hike...have done quite a bit in Glacier National Park & Rocky Mountain National Park. Heights aren't a problem for us, either. We are looking forward to the views & experience.

If we have time, we'll definately try to check out Downhill.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Barbi,

There is so much to see and do along the way. Be sure to stop at all the little coves and beaches. Some beaches you can drive on. One (near Downhill) had a huge sand dune as high as an apartment building. Gorgeous beaches!

In my next newsletter I will have more about Northern Ireland and some really obscure places that you will never hear of elsewhere but are well worth seeing.

Michele

travelbarbi · Member

I'm looking forward to the newsletter & to reading your guide book, which I am going to order soon. I'm beginning to think that even 2 weeks in Ireland won't be enough! I can see why you've made several trips!

Barbi

Michele Erdvig · Host

Barbi,

I have already sent out my newsletter. If you have not received it you need to sign up for it: http://www.irelandyes.com/contact.html Also check your Spam filter and allow email from irelandyes.com

Michele