Rathlin Island

Rathlin (English Rathlin Iceland, ir Reachlainn ) is an island off the northeast coast of Northern Ireland. At this point there are only 25 kilometers to the Scottish peninsula of Kintyre. The island is L-shaped and measures from east to west seven, four kilometers from north to south.

Rathlin is known at Seevogelbeobachtern (RSPB Seabird Viewpoint in the west of the island, you can see the kittiwake and puffins ). She is Special Area of Conservation, that is partly under nature protection. Note the up to 70 meters high cliffs. The island is covered almost treeless and covered with heather. The population has fallen sharply and is about 100 people.

Transport and Tourism

Reachable the island several times a day with a car ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne (10 km, 45 min. ) Between Ballycastle and the island's port, Church Bay. In summer, also in good weather from different vendors crossings with speedboats offered. Overnight stays are possible; there are about 30 beds on the island. Parts of the island to the north ( Ballyconagan trails ) are protected by the National Trust. The approximately 70 residents of the island live today et al of fishing ( crabs) and the sale of arts and crafts ( ceramics, silver wares, wood carvings ). Information the visitor is in the Boathouse Visitor Center (May- August) at the port of Church Bay. Are possible hikes northeast to East Lighthouse, south along the beach ( seal colonies ) on Rue Point or west to Bull Point for bird watching, and there are minibus tours and bicycle rental.

History

Mythology

Rathlin is, according to the "Book of conquests " one of the refuges of the Fir Bolg after the lost battle against the Tuatha Dé Danann at the Mag Tuired. In the " tragic stories of the children and the children Tuireans Lir " the island is also available. The islanders named the three wind turbines that serve the power supply of the island, according to transformed into swans children Lir, " Aedh, Conn and Fiachra ."

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