Rathlin
Island,
County Antrim |
|
Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland's last inhabited offshore island,
and lies six miles off the coast from Ballycastle, in County Antrim.
Eight miles
long and less than one mile wide, the island has a population
of around one hundred people, and attracts many ornithologists
due to its huge colony of seabirds - the largest in Northern Ireland.
At the island's west lighthouse there is a viewpoint from which
you can spot masses of guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars
and puffins.
The island is estimated to have around 175 species of birds in
total.
Divers can
search for the numerous shipwrecks surrounding the island, and
there are many cliff-top walks, caves and rugged bays to discover.
One sea-cave situated below the east lighthouse is known as 'Bruce's
Cave' due to its legendary links with the Scottish king, Robert
the Bruce, who took refuge in the cave when he was driven from
Scotland by Edward I. He was inspired by the persistence of a
spider spinning a web in the cave, and resolved to persevere,
going on to defeat the English at Bannockburn. The island is also
home to some scant remains of Robert the Bruce's Castle, as well
as many prehistoric ruins. A visitor centre at Church Bay has
information about Rathlin's history.
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