Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is a ferry-linked island day trip from Ballycastle, where ordinary pet dogs are welcome on the ferry and can explore the island on a lead. The crossing delivers you to a destination shaped by seabird colonies, heritage and rugged coastal scenery, with visitor facilities clustered around Church Bay and the West Light Seabird Centre area. Dogs travel on a lead throughout the ferry journey and must remain on the lead while ashore.

The West Light Visitor Centre, lighthouse and viewing platform are restricted to registered guide dogs only and ordinary dogs must not be left unattended outside. Beyond those limits, your dog can accompany you around the island's outdoor areas, making this a solid option for a coastal outing where the journey itself is part of the adventure.

The Boathouse Visitor Centre is seasonal, reopening 30 March 2026 and open Monday to Saturday 09:00–17:00, with Sunday hours June to September 12:00–16:00. Ferry schedules and island facilities both follow seasonal patterns, so check timings before you set off.