Rathlin Island · County Antrim
Four sea-facing glamping pods on Rathlin Island — the only pods on the island, and nothing between your door and the Sea of Moyle.
The island
Rathlin lies six miles off the North Coast, reached by ferry from Ballycastle. People have lived here since 6000 BC. It is rugged, windswept and quietly spectacular — and it is still, blessedly, a place where very little happens in a hurry.
Rathlin Glamping sits right on the shore at Church Bay, a five to ten minute walk from the harbour. We are the only glamping pods on the island, and every one of them looks straight out over the water.
Families, couples, walkers, birdwatchers, or anyone who just wants to sit by a fire, positioned perfectly above the shoreline to watch the sun melt below the horizon — there is something here for everyone.
Today on Rathlin
Firepit lit shortly after. Bring a jumper.
The pods
Four fully insulated pods with double-glazed windows and doors, sleeping up to four. Each has its own en-suite shower room, heating, electricity and USB points, and a mini kitchen with a hob, kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge and everything you need to cook.
Pillows are provided. Bed linen is not — bring your own, or add a sleeping bag and pillowcase set for £10 when you book.
Evenings
Traditional stone barbeques, a communal firepit, long tables and a BBQ Hut for when the weather turns. Then the sun drops behind the headland, the path lights come on, and the sky does the rest.
Traditional stone barbeques and a shared firepit right on the shore.
No streetlights, no light pollution. On a clear night it is extraordinary.
Pod One has its own hot tub, looking straight out over the Sea of Moyle.
Pod One
Pod One has its own hot tub on a private deck, pointed straight out at the Sea of Moyle. Jets on, steam rising, nothing in front of you but a breathtaking view of a majestic ocean.
Stay
Guaranteed to leave you with lasting, treasured memories of your visit to Rathlin. Rathlin Glamping
Out there
Thousands of puffins arrive at the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre each year, alongside guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Three waymarked walks leave from the harbour — 3km to the East Lighthouse, 4.5km to the South, 7km out to the West Light.
Then there is McCuaig's Bar overlooking the harbour, the Georgian Manor House, bike hire, boat trips, a playground five minutes from the pods, and some of the darkest skies you will find anywhere.
Getting here
Two ferries run from Ballycastle — the Spirit of Rathlin and the Kintra 2 — crossing in roughly 25 to 45 minutes. From the harbour it is a five to ten minute walk to the pods.
Reserve online. Deposits are non-refundable, so check ferry availability first.
Separately, with Rathlin Ferry. Book well in advance — sailings fill up.
Cars are restricted on the island. Contact the ferry company before booking one on.
Five to ten minutes from the harbour. Check in is from 1pm to 6pm.
Book
Check in is from 1pm, check out by 10am. Four pods, and the island only has so many beds — so do book ahead.
