Home / Getting Here
Six miles
of open water
Rathlin is reached by ferry from Ballycastle — roughly 25 to 45 minutes, then a five to ten minute walk from the harbour.
The journey
Four things to sort, in this order
Check the ferry
Before anything else. Sailings are limited and fill up quickly in summer — if you cannot get a crossing, you cannot get here.
Book your pod
Reserve online through our booking system. Deposits are strictly non-refundable, so do step one first.
Book the crossing
Separately, directly with Rathlin Ferry. We do not book ferries on your behalf.
Park and sail
Leave the car in Ballycastle, walk on, and check in between 1pm and 6pm when you arrive. Car parking charges may apply during the summer season.
If your sailing is cancelled by the ferry operator, your deposit is refunded in full. If you are simply unable to travel, it is not — so please book the crossing before you book the pod.
The ferry
Spirit of Rathlin
& Kintra 2
Two vessels currently run the Ballycastle route. Crossings take approximately 25 to 45 minutes depending on the boat and the conditions. Timetables change seasonally, so check directly with the ferry company.
- Operator
- Rathlin Ferry, Ballycastle
- Crossing
- Approximately 25–45 minutes
- Terminal
- Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 18 Bayview Road, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, BT54 6BT
- Phone
- +44 (0)28 2076 9299
- Website
- rathlin-ferry.com
- Booking
- Essential, and well in advance
Cars
You almost certainly don't need one
Vehicles are restricted on Rathlin. If you believe you need to bring a car, you must contact Rathlin Ferry before booking anything — they will tell you whether it is possible.
For most guests it is simpler to leave the car in Ballycastle and walk on. The pods are a five to ten minute walk from the harbour, and there is parking on site if you do bring a vehicle across. Bikes can be hired on the island.
On arrival
Finding us
Come off the ferry at Church Bay and follow the shore road. The pods sit directly on the waterfront, five to ten minutes on foot. You will see them well before you reach them — four arched pods facing the sea.
- Address
- Rathlin Glamping, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim, BT54 6RT
- From the harbour
- A five to ten minute walk
- Check in
- Between 1pm and 6pm. Later arrivals by prior arrangement.
- Check out
- 10:00am at the latest
- Parking
- On site, for guests who bring a vehicle across
- Any trouble?
- 07715 897773 or 07702 706882
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Ferry sorted? Book the pod.
Four pods, one island, and a crossing that only runs so many times a day.