The Global Meaningful Travel Map

RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Rathlin Island West Lighthouse and Seabird Centre

Experience breathtaking views of the UK's largest seabird colony, explore an upside-down lighthouse, and enjoy interactive exhibits for all visitors.

OUR EXPERIENCES
RSPB staff, alongside volunteers, provide an excellent experience for visitors viewing the UK's largest breeding seabird colony. Guests will enjoy breathtaking clifftop views and sea stacks as they descend halfway down the cliff to Ireland's only upside-down lighthouse. Experienced staff and enthusiastic volunteers will explain the various seabird species, their breeding and foraging behaviors, before leading visitors on a self-guided tour through the lighthouse to the lantern room. Afterward, visitors can return to the visitor center, where a selection of catering and retail items are available for purchase.

ABOUT US
The RSPB is dedicated to creating a world richer in nature. Using our expertise in birds and nature, we provide evidence-based solutions to the nature and climate emergency, helping people live in harmony with nature. We work with our partners to keep common species common, recover threatened species, protect and restore special places, and inspire and enable everyone to act for nature. As the UK partner of BirdLife International, we operate across the four UK countries, the Crown Dependencies, and Overseas Territories, and work globally wherever our shared nature goes or the need exists.

OUR IMPACT
The RSPB is a national nature conservation charity and a partner in BirdLife International, supporting global conservation efforts. We monitor the state of nature on land and sea and conduct research to protect threatened species. Our solutions include habitat management, education for landowners, and advocacy at local and national levels.

The RSPB Rathlin Island West Lighthouse and Seabird Centre offers visitors the chance to learn about seabirds and marine life, and the actions we can take to protect them. Alongside local partners, we are finalizing a rat and ferret eradication project on Rathlin Island to safeguard ground-nesting birds. Due to the cliffside location, visitors must descend many steps, but the RSPB is collaborating with the Future Island Project (led by Ulster University) to provide augmented and virtual reality technology, offering an interactive experience for those unable to complete the steps and enhancing the seabird experience.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: rspb.nireland@rspb.org.uk

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1-40

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Pre-booking is not required but is available

Do you have group rates?
No

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
No

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
Easter Sunday until 31st August;7 days per week. 9am until 5pm.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
For people who cannot descend the steps they can go to an upper viewing level that includes a Visitor Centre, with retail and catering space. We are currently developing technology (mentioned above) to provide an augmented/virtual reality experience that will maintain communication with the rest of their family/group.