Rathlin Island

Site Overview

Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland’s diving jewel, with steep basalt walls, massive kelp forests and dense anemone gardens that rank among the best in the British Isles. Grey seals are constant companions, puffins dive at the surface in summer, and the clear Atlantic water teems with wrasse and pollack. Reached by ferry from Ballycastle, it is a spectacular but exposed advanced dive, weather-dependent and unforgettable. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers.