Rathlin Ferry Service

07/05/2026

Glad Tidings on transit from Rathlin to Ballycastle for the first time a few days ago.
We are very pleased with the speed and sea keeping characteristics, 15kts cruise speed is resulting in an average crossing time of 25 minutes.

01/05/2026

Well here she is folks, the Glad Tidings has arrived home to Rathlin and doesn't it fit in well!

We are still going through approvals and have a few things to do before we can get up and running, so unfortunately we won't be able to take bookings for May.
We are very positive about being able to get going by June 1st, and hope to see you all onboard very soon.
Dont forget we are available for pre booking by visiting us at www.rathlinferryservice.com

22/04/2026

Race boosted and filling up fast! 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♂️ get set, go!

21/04/2026

Just look at these 🤩🤩
Rathlin always has something a little special on offer!

20/04/2026

⛴️🌊🔊After some very much appreciated positive feedback on our Logo, we would like to give you a little background info on why we went for this design.

We are very proud of our Rathlin heritage, among the island families of lore and stories. It is our companies aim to provide the community of Rathlin with a ferry service we all feel part of!

So we chose the puffin to represent the modern day tourism sector which everyone recognises, but the community is represented by the visual impression of the Rathlin Brooch wrapped around the Puffin in embrace.

The Rathlin brooch in the national museum in Dublin. It was found in the late 1700s in a grave at the standing stone just east of the pub. The brooch is very important because it represents a fusion of viking and celtic art. Mostly viking. The grave also had amber beads. It was obviously of an 'important' person probably from near the end of the viking period early 11th cent.

Thanks must go out to SignFX in Ballycastle for helping create this iconic Logo which we hope will be a prominent image for a long time to come.

19/04/2026

🌊✨ Rathlin is calling!
Summer 2026 sailings are now LIVE.
Book your island adventure at www.rathlinferryservice.com
Don’t wait — the best dates go fast!

18/04/2026

Great to be able to boost this long standing Rathlin event, managed so well by the team at Rathlin Run.

'The most unique and challenging road race in Northern Ireland' Saturday 29th August 2026

14/04/2026

The big day is here and we are so excited 😊 to share our new website and booking system 🙌
Please see the link here.
www.rathlinferryservice.com

This website allows you to book your journey either return or single via the timetable and book now option.
For returns please select your outbound date and time then proceed to the next page for return options.

We are completely independent and non subsidised so unfortunately we cant offer free travel for smartpasses, but we have tried to offer some reduction, so just select that option for the discount and present your pass with booking at point of travel.

Islanders unite! We have took the decision to support a discounted Islanders travel rate. This is fully voluntary on our part, but as Islanders ourselves, we want to do our part to support you. Please select the island rate travel and present your Islanders pass at point of departure to confirm the discount was correct.

One final thing to note, and we are working hard to sort it out, our pay now tab for booking isn't quite there yet, so you can make your reservation and follow our social for the update on this to go back on to pay for your reservation.

Bookings available from the 8th May although we do hope to start from the 1st May subject to approvals.

10/04/2026

Countdown is on, there will be an announcement on Tuesday 14th April for our plans to get up and running.
Rome wasn't built in a day 😅

02/04/2026

The birds are starting to roost and we will hopefully have a new arrivals soon 😀 🤭

30/03/2026

New Ferry Service for Rathlin Island coming soon! Please follow this page for updates as they happen.
Exciting times 😀😀😀