Rathlin Island (Irish: Reachlainn or Reachra) is an island off the coast of County Antrim, and is the northernmost point of Northern Ireland. Rathlin is the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland, with a rising population of now just over 100 people, and is the most northerly inhabited island off the Irish coast. The reverse L-shaped island is 4 miles (6 km) from east to west, and 2.5 miles (4 km) from north to south. The highest point on the island is Slieveard, 134 metres above sea level. Rathlin is 15.5 miles (25 km) from the Mull of Kintyre, the southern tip of Scotland's Kintyre peninsula.
Natural History
Rathlin is one of forty-three Special Areas of Conservation in Northern Ireland. It is home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including common guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and razorbills – about thirty bird families in total. It is a popular place for birdwatchers, with a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds nature reserve offering spectacular views of Rathlin’s bird colony. The RSPB has also successfully managed natural habitat to facilitate the return of the Red-billed Chough. Northern Ireland's only breeding pair of choughs can be seen during the summer months. The cliffs on this relatively bare island are impressive, standing 230 feet (70 m) tall. Bruce's Cave is named after Robert the Bruce, also known as Robert I of Scotland: it was here that he was said to have seen the famous spider. The island is also the northernmost point of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Transport
A ferry (operated by Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd) connects the main port of the island, Church Bay, with the mainland at Ballycastle, 6 miles (10 km) away. Two ferries operate on the route - a fast foot passenger only catamaran ferry called "Rathlin Express" and a larger ferry called "MV Canna" which carries both foot passengers and a small number of vehicles, weather permitting.
The Cache
From Rathlin harbour, take the Shore Road south, through town, past the Kelp Store and round Mill bay. At the south end of the bay, look beside the mill and see the large piece of metal mechanism from days gone by.
Follow the coast to the cache. The way is rough going and in places boggy.