What to do in Rathlin Island

Activities, attractions and tours

A rugged coastline with large rock formations and a dramatic sky.
A coastal landscape with a ruined stone structure and a clear view of the sea and distant mountains.
A coastal path with a stone wall, rocky beach, and houses in the background.
A lighthouse on a grassy hill with a cloudy sky.
A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, grassy areas, and a calm sea.

Rathlin Island Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Rathlin Island has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Rathlin Island is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Rathlin Island to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Rathlin Island Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Rathlin Island.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Rathlin Island attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Luxury Giants Causeway Tour in Mercedes + FREE Belfast Mural Tour

Luxury Giants Causeway Tour in Mercedes + FREE Belfast Mural Tour

CA $1,149
per traveller
Luxury Giants Causeway Tour in Mercedes + FREE Belfast Mural Tour
Private Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Cruise Terminal

Private Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Cruise Terminal

CA $1,092
per traveller
Private Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Cruise Terminal
11 Hour Day Trip Giant’s Causeway from Belfast

11 Hour Day Trip Giant’s Causeway from Belfast

CA $1,399
per adult
11 Hour Day Trip Giant’s Causeway from Belfast
Private Luxury Mercedes Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast

Private Luxury Tour of Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast

CA $1,295
per traveller
Private Luxury Tour of Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast
The Giant's Causeway

Full-Day Private Giant's Causeway Experience

CA $1,130
per traveller
Full-Day Private Giant's Causeway Experience
Belfast Private Luxury Tour - Giants Causeway : Scenery & History

Belfast Private Luxury Tour - Giants Causeway : Scenery & History

CA $1,373
per traveller
Belfast Private Luxury Tour - Giants Causeway : Scenery & History
Premium Fully Customizable Shore Excursion Tour From Belfast Cruise Terminal

Shore Excursion: Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Port

CA $1,092
per traveller
Shore Excursion: Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Port
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Top places to visit

1. Giant's Causeway

Giant’s Causeway is one of the premier natural history attractions in Northern Ireland. Discover the rock formations, take in the views from the cliffs, go bird-watching, or enjoy a picnic.
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A rocky coastal landscape with a calm sea, green moss-covered rocks, and a distant island.

2. Dunluce Castle

The ancient Dunluce Castle was once a symbol of power, built at the edge of a basalt cliff overlooking the Irish Sea. During a storm in 1639, part of the castle fell into the sea and the building was abandoned. Today, the ruins on the edge of the cliffs are a dramatic sight. Dunluce Castle is a popular destination for photographers and those with an interest in history, nature and hiking.
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A coastal ruin with a view of the ocean.

3. Old Bushmills Distillery

One of the few historic operating distilleries to offer tours, the Old Bushmills Distillery is a must-do for whiskey lovers. Even if you don’t like the strong alcoholic drink, it’s interesting to see the making of the malt concoction that Ireland is so famous for at one of Northern Island’s best-known producers.
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A row of wooden barrels with labels indicating they are from the 1600s and contain single malt whisky.

4. The Dark Hedges

The Stuart family, who wished to impress visitors to their home in the nearby Gracehill House, planted the beech trees here some 200 years ago. It is quite apparent from a visit here just how successful they were, as the Dark Hedges still astound visitors today.
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A pathway lined with large trees, a group of people walking, and a hill in the background.

5. Portrush East Strand Beach

Portrush Beach is a shoreline that attracts vacationers from Belfast in the summer. It is split into several picturesque parts with their own distinct charms. Visit a different section of beach each day for a varied experience of dunes, sandy stretches and a tall sculpture that adorns the coastline.
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A coastal town with houses along the beach and waves crashing onto the shore.

What to do in Rathlin Island

Day trip destinations from Rathlin Island

A seal resting on rocks by the sea with a distant island in the background.

Campbeltown

A stone tower on a grassy cliff overlooking a coastal sea.

Islay Island

A bridge with a pedestrian walkway, a historic clock tower, and a cityscape with buildings in the background.

Londonderry

A coastal town with houses along the beach, a clear blue sea, and green hills in the background.

Ballymena

A coastal stone structure with a dome, overlooking the sea.

Coleraine

A coastal landscape with a cliff, grassy fields, and a village in the distance.

Limavady

A coastal promenade with houses, a bike path, and a sea wall.

Portrush

A coastal landscape with a beach, rocky cliffs, and a small building near the shore.

Carnlough

Frequently asked questions

Is Rathlin Island worth visiting?
Offering a mix of nature and history, there are many things to do in Rathlin Island. While you're here, visit Ballintoy Harbour, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Rathlin Island?
Start your day with a visit to Ballintoy Harbour and Sheep Island. Then, tour other parts of Rathlin Island for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rathlin Island?
Don't leave without visiting Ballintoy Harbour, ranked the top tourist attraction in Rathlin Island.
Is three days enough to stay in Rathlin Island?
Three days is plenty for a quick trip to Rathlin Island — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the place. But if you truly want to soak it all in, plan at least a week to check out some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Rathlin Island with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Rathlin Island with kids.

What to do in Rathlin Island for adults?
From incredible food and cultural highlights to thrilling activities and unique experiences, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Rathlin Island for adults.
Are there free things to do in Rathlin Island?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Rathlin Island is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without getting your cash out. Murlough Bay is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.