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| |  大象传媒
Copyright | | Rathlin
Island in Northern Ireland is known as 'bird island'. It is an inhabited island
with a population of just 80 people. This wildlife paradise is a rugged
outcrop lies just six miles off the North Antrim coast. Rathlin is great
for bird watching with tens of thousands of seabirds. | |  | Spring is when islands are bursting with life and energy
- and this is a great season to watch wildlife. | |  | - Check out island nature watching opportunities from
birds and bees to flowers and fauna.
| | | Rathlin
- Visitor Guide | | Address: | near
Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. | | Telephone: | Antrim
Net 028 2177 2100
RSPB - 028 9049 1547 Information - 02820 763948 Caledonian
MacBrayne Ferries - 028 2076 9299. Ballycastle Tourist Information Centre
on 028 2076 2024 | | Fax: | Antrim
Net - 0217 72129 | | e-mail | rathlin@nacn.org
info@antrim.net | | Detailed
map: | | | Ordnance
Survey: | OS ref. 095515 | | Key
attractions: | Bird watching. Wild
walks, nature watching, cycling (bike hire). Wild flowers. Irish Hares. 听 The
area and cliffs offer great views of Puffins, Guillemots and Kittiwakes.
There is also a viewing platform accessed by 89 steps down the cliffside. | | Essential
kit: | Binoculars and scopes for
bird watching. Binocular hire available on site. Walking shoes. | | Nature
watching tips: | April onwards is
the best time to visit. The birds are most active during mornings and evenings
- but they are especially good in late afternoon when the setting sun illuminates
the area. 听 From mid-April look out for seabirds including Guillemots,
Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Shags and Gannets. | | Access: | New
developments in 2007 will make access easier. From 2007, there will be toilets
and disabled facilities at the car park level.
For more information,
contact the warden - 028 9049 1547.
| | Getting
there: | Located 6 miles from Ballycastle
where there is a ferry service to the island. Private boats for charter also operate
from Ballycastle Harbour. No cars are permitted on Rathlin Island. 听 Ferry
service in late spring and summer from Ballycastle
Adult Return 拢8.60;
Children (5 and under 16) 拢4.30. Family ticket also available. Booking Required
- Telephone 028 20769299. Average time - 45 minutes.
听 Don't think
of bringing your car here - instead there are taxis and a mini-bus service.
There's
only two ways of independent travel on the island - on foot or by pushbike. A
bike is an excellent way of getting around the island which is seven miles long
by two miles wide. 听 Accommodation available. | | Opening
times: | Rathlin Island Cliffs (RSPB):
Open 11 am-3 pm daily from April to mid-September. 听 Visitor centre
open from 1 April-31 August.
Contact the warden prior
to visit - 028 9049 1547.
No toilet facilities are currently available.
| | Charges: | Free,
but donations welcome. |
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