Northern Ireland's ONLY inhabited offshore island is an absolute gem - my journey to Rathlin Island
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2022
- When I saw Rathlin Island off in the distance from Mull of Kintyre, I had no idea how cool this island would be and to think I'd never even HEARD of it before this trip. Join me on the long journey to get here and then uncover this gem of the Antrim coast with me. I'll bring you travel, lighthouses, views and a first taste of something VERY local...
Hi, I’m Steve, a travel reviewer from Scotland. Join me on my adventures as I discover my own country, often visiting places for the first time, so hopefully it's as much of an eye-opener for you as it is for me! Don't expect expert opinion, just a very honest journey of discovery. Sometimes featuring my intrepid sidekick Alicja, sometimes featuring adventures beyond the borders of Scotland. Enjoy!
Prices for this trip:
Loganair flight Dundee - Belfast £58 (inc set reservation)
Buses - 'Adult Rambler' £9.50 for a day ticket covering all bus/coach travel
Rathlin Island Ferry - £12 rtn
This is part one of three videos from this trip. Next week I'll review the flight to get here, and then the week after how I got back home to Scotland!
Donate here to future videos: (thank you!)
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/ stevemarsh
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
(All music in this video from 'Rune Dale')
Maps courtesy of Google Maps
#RathlinIsland #NorthernIreland #SteveMarsh
Hi Steve, I am a Translink bus driver so for your viewers information if you had gone on to Coleraine, which is the biggest town on the Causeway coast you can get a 402 bus every half hour to Ballycastle and it stops just also right by the harbour. This trip also has the advantage of hugging the coast and passes the Giants Causeway and the Rope bridge and the whole journey is framed with Scotland in the distance.
Ha no way! This could’ve cut some drama from my trip 🤣 also sounds like I need to come back and do some more bus journeys - thanks so much for this info!
@@steve-marsh There is, or was a ferry trip that gave you a bus trip up to the Giant's Causeway, passing the Rope Bridge (though no time to cross it, but did stop to let you look), this was a ferry/bus ticket. We did it years ago, so don't know if it still runs, the ferry ran from Stranraer at the time, left around 10AM and came back at 10PM. It stopped at the Causeway, long enough to catch the bus down to the Causeway from centre there. There is a centre there now, but you do not have to pay to go in (work it out when there, but is the other side or the centre, down and back). Don't leave it too late to get the bus back, as it gets rather full. There used to be two, sometimes three buses ran together, depending on the crowds. If you were lucky, everyone back to the bus on time, they sometimes gave a quick tour of Belfast. The bus drivers were very good and very helpful. People were very friendly over there as well. 😎
Haw haw haw. Translink. Fucking. Lol
top advice
Thanks so much for that!
I am a bus driver, although now I spend most of my time in an office and do not do as much driving as I did. You wouldn't believe how much a a nice friendly greeting helps us along. So on behalf of my fellow bus drivers, thank you Steve. I'm sure the driver did what he did because you were friendly and respectful to him. 😊 Oh and the buses on the Island are over 30 years old. I used to drive them in my first job as a bus driver, and they were second hand then. That was nearly over twenty years ago. 😂
Thanks so much David! :)
The people of NI are friendly, gracious, and helpful. On a rainy, cold day in Belfast recently, decided to treat self to a “black cab” tour. Cabbie asked if I minded picking up a fare at a local church. This was the start of a fantastic journey. I got to meet people as they gathered after Mass, while cabbie collected his rider, a disabled young man who lived in care. On to care home where I was invited for tea and a break from dreadful weather. What a delightful day! I was treated like a daughter come home from America. Met residents and visitors, learned so much about NI, and got to bask in unbelievable hospitality. I’d stepped into a dream, but realized this is NI ! Thanks Steve, for your great travelogues!
Not surprised at all to read this - great people!
Absolutely stunning! I played rugby in Northern Ireland during the 70s at the height of the troubles,,,,,my parents, family and friends warned me not to go....The warmth I experienced was incredible. It truly is a beautiful country. Thank you young fella!
Couldn’t agree more Ian! Cheers :)
It was my last journey before a big depressive mental desease showed on me. Really, few days after, life stopped for me. I took trains, buses and ships to get there from Belfast. This amazing video, reminds me when I was still an happy man !
We visited Rathlin in June. Unlike the great weather you experienced ours was cold wet and extremely windy. I took advantage of the bus to go to the bird sanctuary but two ladies who came on our ferry decided to walk. Everyone was sitting in the cafe enjoying hot drinks when the two brave ladies eventually emerged from the mist and rain. When they came into the cafe the whole place erupted with cheers and rounds of applause. I know you will appreciate how brave these ladies were.
Enjoying the content, Northern Ireland is always overshadowed, great to see someone sharing it, still waiting for a video on Arbroath
Haha Arbroath will happen soon, even though as a Montrose lad now, I'll be slated for it :D
@@steve-marsh- You mentioned Arbooath and I just had to post this Quote ~~
"We fight not for glory, nor for riches, nor for honour, but only and alone for Freedom, which no good man lays down but with his life."
-- Declaration of Arbroath, Scotland, 1320
@@steve-marsh You've left it too late for one of the biggest events in Arbroath, the monthly Bike night at the harbour in aid of the RNLI and Royal Marine charities. This year we have also been donating tins to the Fire Brigade food bank to help those affected by fires. Normally on third Thursday of the month from 6pm to 8pm so earler dark stops it till next year. Attendance generally from around 250 to over 400 bikes and trikes.
There is a Toy run on the 9th October from The Meadowbank on the Montrose road. The run starts at 3.30 but bikes will be arriving before then. Last year here was around 240 bikes and trikes of all sizes on the run which took us round the back roads to Montrose then Brechin followed by Edzell , Forfar and finally back to the harbour at Arbroath. The route and approximate times should be published in the local paper so you can check out where it should be.
Great video. I’m Northern Ireland born and bred. Lived here all my life, but I’ve never made it to Rathlin! On my bucket list
Hi there 👋 what a great Country!
@@steve-marsh thanks. It was often said, during our ‘Troubles’ that Northern Ireland was full of nice people. They just weren’t nice to each other😕. Happier now. If you’re ever back in Belfast, I’d be happy to buy you a coffee….or something stronger. 😊
Yet another fantastic video, Steve! I love how you've discovered Northern Ireland and are featuring it more in your videos. NI is such a wonderful place and is often overlooked by many, but it is such an amazing destination. And Rathlin Island - beautiful! Have to put it on my "Places to visit" list!
The cliffs in Northern Ireland are one of the most beautiful, rugged and natural cliffs I have ever seen!! Great video Steve!!
Cheers Oliver! I need to explore SO much more over there!
All of Ireland , north , south east and west have great beauty and some great islands.
I would absolutely love to go to Rathlin, Steve, but it seems highly unlikely so your video is so appreciated. You couldn't have filmed in better weather too..... so a big thank you for all you showed us!!
Hi 👋 how are you doing?
Memories, Steve! While working on other RSPB sites in Northern Ireland I was lucky enough to visit and work on Rathlin an a few occasions, both at the Seabird centre/West lighthouse and projects on the Eastern side of the island. More than the view, there are a couple of other Scottish connections there, at that time I was there the main ferry was the former Calmac ferry MV Canna. There is, or was, a ferry linking Ballycastle with Campeltown and Islay. It's also said that Robert the Bruce took sanctuary in a cave on Rathlin and here he witnessed the spider struggle to make a web. There are often seals in the harbour and there are some huge sea cliffs on the Northern side on the island. As you say, the people of Northern Ireland are fantastic, truly welcoming and warm.
Thanks so much for the comment, wonderful! And looks like I’ve got plenty reasons to go back in future :)
I see that Steve finally settled on Option Three-- Shank's Mare to the island's west coast.
One of the best weekends I have EVER had was spent on Rathlin when I lived and worked in NI. The Island is a treasure, the locals are so welcoming. Thank you for sharing this Steve it has brought back many happy memories. I would love to go back there some day. I love your Scottish videos too as I lived and worked there too for fifteen years and I miss Scotland so much.
Thanks so much, glad to bring you a familiar wee place, what a gem it is eh!?
@@steve-marsh Yes it is absolutely. 👍
Great trip. But I'm slightly surprised that when you went to the East lighthouse, you didn't go just little bit further on to Bruce's Castle and Bruce's Cave. That's where Robert Bruce spent a little time at one of his low points (before he took Turnberry if my memory serves) looking at Scotland. As a Scot, that should be a place of pilgrimage for you!
Ach wish I’d known! Oh well, I’d better start the long journey back…🤣
Another great video. Goes to show how interesting our respective countries are but very similar too.
So true - really loved breaking out of the city and seeing more of NI, but clearly lots more to explore in that corner of the world!
Here in Queensland, Australia , strangely the bus service ( well in South East Queensland, anyway) is also called Translink.!😂
Interesting to note that those Irish public transport buses all had seatbelts !
In Australia, public transport buses don't .
But private bus companies, and long distance buses do !
The scenery is live.
Thankyou ❤️
Thanks Heather! Aye, but nobody wore the seatbelts :D I was blown away by how beautiful Northern Ireland was.
Love the "will he" "won't he" drama of these trips. Another enjoyable one.
Haha cheers mate!
I've been looking forward to this and it really didn't disappoint. Excellent as always.
Thanks so much James :) Glad you enjoyed it!
Another enjoyable & brilliant video. All the hard work & efforts has once again paid off 🎥 well done 👍
I'm still working my way through your "back numbers", but that's the best travel vlog yet.
Hey thanks so much!
I'm all over the place trying to catch up with Steve's travels but each episode is enjoyable and informative to watch.
Wow that was an ideal trip on an ideal day.
Thank you for the content you’ve created for us, it certainly makes a change.
Your channel is a breath of fresh air.
Hey thanks so much!
Steve, this was fabulous!! I really enjoyed going along on this trip & seeing all the beautiful scenery & small villages & towns. This is a real gem to visit for sure. Of course, as you know all these small places by the sea (as well as Ireland & Scotland) always remind me of NL! Can't wait to see more as well as your flight over & trip back....cheers!
Thanks so much Bob! Flight video should be out Tuesday, and trip home next Saturday :)
Loved this video and I have watched a few of your others Steve. As such, I subscribed to your channel. I really enjoy how you present your travels.
Hi Steve, really enjoying your travels and adventures. You've been to some fantastic and stunning places and this video was no exception. Well done Steve for making these vlogs and keeping the contents so interesting. Take and stay safe!! 😁
Thanks SO much Gary! Really appreciate the kind words :)
Absolutely beautiful! Definitely adding to my list of places to visit!
Cheers Morgan! Well worth a visit :)
Steve you are my hero ! You take me back in my time on this island !!! Thanks so lot !
You are SO welcome Gabi :)
Fantastic video Steve . Very informative and one of your best. Looking forward to your return journey.
Thanks so much! Really enjoyed this one!
Great stuff Steve, I always enjoy your trips. Keep them coming, thank you from me in Irvine 🤗🤗
Thanks so much Grace :)
A gem. Must put this on my wish list. That was lovely you got a lift, there are some kind folk around. Thanks for sharing this one Steve. Thumbs up from me 🥰
Fantastic video Steve! Glad I subscribed to this channel a while back! Great to see you down around my part of the world, Ballycastle is where I keep my boat and Rathlin is where I usually end up on the weekends! If you ever want to come back I'd be happy to show you around some more beyond Ballycastle to some breathtaking scenery and walks
That would be fantastic! And I sure have unfinished business over there :)
Great video Steve and you stopped off in my hometown of Ballymena!!
Rathlin Island is always a joy for us and we spend many a great weekend on the island as it’s close to home. Thanks again we all enjoy your excellent videos and detailed information
Ah if only I’d spent more time though! Unfinished business in your part of the world for sure :)
Great video again Steve That’s on my bucket list now Thanks for sharing.
A worthy place on the list mate!
Another great one Steve, I had a boss once from Ballymoney and he used to drone on about Rathlin as the best place in NI I can now see why. Thanks for getting me there
Great video Steve, very inspirational, wanting to travel within the uk especially Scotland, this give a great view on what is out there to explore.
Cheers David!
What a great trip out - a fantastic view back over to Scotland where you took us the other week, the upside-down lighthouse, and as always some cracking scenery!
Looking forward to the old-school flight review as well - been a while since you did one of them!
Cheers Tom! Flight review should be out Tuesday sometime (and then the trip back to Scotland on Saturday) :)
@@steve-marsh Never knew you could fly from Dundee to Belfast! 🤔
Fabulous, really loved this - I'm now even more desperate to go back!! Thanks so much :)
Just loved that Steve 😎
What a wonderful little place, and I agree with you, that lighthouse was in such a stunning place.
Really looking forward to seeing your flight video next week, and I bet you got a big hug and kiss from Alicja for the amazing gift you brought her back 😂😎🏴
Haha unfortunately she really liked it 🤣 so easy to please!
Fabulous, really enjoyed sharing your journey Steve. Stunning Island xx
We're glad you took up our suggestion of a trip to Rathlin, Steve, espicially as you picked a day with good weather! We really enjoyed the video. We really must go ourselves some time - the stretch of water between Rathlin and Ballycastle is notorius for being rough.
We're just back from the Netherlands. We were thinking of you when we had a day out very recently: Urecht - train - Hoorn - buses - Volendam - boat - Marken (big walk to the Lighthouse) - bus - underground to Amsterdam Centraal station - train - Utrecht! Brian
Fantastic Brian! What a trip and thanks so much for your perfect suggestions!
Fantastic Steve. A breathtaking island and ANOTHER added to my wishlist. You're gonna cost me a small fortune - but it will be worth it! 😊👍
Mate I love these wee trips, would definitely recommend it, but of course hoping you'll get similar weather to me!
Loved learning about this island. So beautiful.
Good morning Steve, your video was spot on you made all your connections Never saw an upside down lighthouse I know you enjoyed it with a smile 😊 the view to Scotland was epic and you lucked out with the weather and topped off with a Harp 😉Thx as always Cheers 😘
It all went way too smoothly Linda :)
Another enjoyable one Steve, I’m glad you’re doing all the walking for me to see these places! 👏
Brilliant Steve, glad you got the weather for it 😃
Thanks so much, aye, VERY lucky with the weather (as the flight for this one was booked wayyy in advance, so I had no idea what it'd be like) :)
I love dulse. It's packed with vitamins and iron. This video brings back special memories of Rathlin. I was born in that street in Belfast where you entered Laganside bus station. It's all changed so much but a lovely trip to Rathlin where nothing has changed made it all the more special.
A brilliant video Steve well done and a great insight about life on rathlin island belfast northern ireland
Thanks so much Paul!
Been to N.I. quite a few times, however, never to Rathlin Island. The other half is not good with sea crossings, but I love them, especially when it is a bit choppy! Nice place, Bot funny that the bus didn't run, but then turned up for one passenger on the way back! People are wonderful over there.
Thank you for sharing Steve.
You’re very welcome :)
What a great trip this was. You pack so much into your travels great to watch....Those lighthouses were wonderful. Thanks for doing this trip snd sharong all the experiences 😊😊😊
An absolute pleasure!
Nice to see nice places and the weather is nice for you and all the birds and ferry and planes as well thanks
Thanks Elaine!
great videos as always Steve,I now learn Northern Ireland has its own bank note ,you are an educater .👏👏
Aye, I remember having one in my wallet a LOT of years ago, but wasn't sure they were still a thing!
Fantastic video Steve. You have such a good approach and delivery - so down to Earth and your videos are very informative. There used to be a ferry from Campbeltown to Ballycastle. I spent a summer in Saddell and remember standing at the pier in Campbeltown with this sense I was leaving Scotland. Belfast is one of my favourite cities. The wind had my name in it and now I am at the other end in West Cork. Anyway -Thank you.
Thanks Steve, very enjoyable trip..
Looks a grand place to visit
Absolutely mate! Cheers!
Great video. I've looked over to Ireland from the Mull Lighthouse on Kintyre , so great to see it from the other direction.
Thanks so much for visiting Rathlin Island...I live in Northern Ireland and Rathlin Island is my favourite place to visit and photograph....I didn't get this year but your visit in the sunshine made up.for that ...many thanks
It was such a wonderful discovery, and I need to come back and see everything else I missed!
The entire North Coast is a place of myth and legend...Bring the van over for a visit though car ferry can be expensive
Perfect-you nailed it again
Cheers Bob!
Another great video, and you picked a fabulous day as well.
Cheers Scott!
Brilliant video as always Steve. Thank you 👍
Thanks so much :)
Great update once again Steve 👍
Cheers Jim!
Thanks for sharing. Very enjoyable.
Cheers Richard!
Going on my bucket list immediately!
Never been to Northern Ireland, shows what I've missed. Thanks Steve, for taking us along, I for one am glad you did because that uphill walk would have done me in!!
Steve - The views out of the return bus windscreen are just phenomenal and worth the trip all by itself. Loved the trip as always.
Haha I was almost tempted not to go that way when I saw the hill but glad I did now :)
Aye, that bus journey was truly epic! :) As was the delivery I just came home to! Thanks so much Gary!!!! I'll need to get planning a road trip so we can show them off :)
Great trip Steve. I've not visited N.I. before so nice to see it looking good. You were dead lucky with that lift and the lighthouses were in ideal locations. Always good to see things from both sides of the water. You should climb north Berwick law to see fife from the southern side of the forth. Allan.
Super idea, I remember climbing it as a kid, I need a return trip for sure!
Rathlin island was where Marconi first started tests, thanks for another entertaining video Steve, and showing us ballycastle.
Yeah, I saw a sign saying there are still concrete blocks at the East Light, but I didn't spot them
The beauty in this part of the world never ceases to amaze me! Thank you for showing me. Great video~
Well said!
Great video Steve. Many thanks.
That was a brilliant video Steve would definitely love to go there.
Cheers Kenneth!
Another great wee video from Steve, a perfect work lunch watch 👍
Thanks Richard! :)
Great upload again Steve.. that looks a cracking wee island.. lovely lighthouses too.. especially the East wow.. NI is a lovely part of the world.. Great to see you flying from Dundee (look forward to the flight review) I decided to fly from Dundee in July to go to Shetland was a lovely flight.. drops you at Sumburgh although I was staying in Lerwick I returned to Sumburgh a few days later to walk to the lighthouse and at that time of year there were loads of cute little puffins and so close too definitely worth the walk.. if you haven't done so I'd definitely recommend..
Nice! I love a wee flight into Sumburgh, a rare treat as they can be expensive! Glad you had the chance to do it!
What a beautiful part of the world. Thanks for sharing.
It really is! Cheers :)
The accompanying music was perfect.
Awesome video Steve, its such a cool wee place and to think its just over the "watter" from us👍I agree about the setting of the east lighthouse, just stunning and so was the lighthouse👌It was good to see you sporting one of my jackets😜
Haha you must be loaded - your jackets are selling well :)
@@steve-marsh If only Steve🤣
Great video Steve, Ballycastle looks a nice place as well as Rathlin Island. The lighthouses look amazing and also the views from Northern Ireland to Scotland!!!!!
Cheers David, absolute gem of a place!
Great and enjoyable video as always from Steve Marsh, thanks for sharing!🚢🚌🚍😘
And to you for coming along !
Good stuff 🎥😊, there’s so much to see over there, not just the coast.
I can believe it!
Absolutely killer video. A lot of my favorite part, the journey, of travel today. And you can really move when the words food and drink are bandied about. Alicja is one lucky girl. You bring her the best souvenirs. I hope she likes the seaweed.(couldn't spell what you called it.) Say hi for me. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.
Haha unfortunately Kate she wasn't quite as repulsed by the dulse as me :D
Great video. Really enjoyed this.
Thanks so much!
Love your vlogs Steve, always interesting :o)
Cheers Darren!
You deserve a Scottish medal Steve!!
For all you do and your love of Scotland! 💫
How amazing to see Scotland from here I see, yes!
You have the best energy! So calming and entertaining at the same time. I laugh at at least one of your jokes each episode. Hello from Pennsylvania!
I thought Rathlin looked great. You put so much effort, time and cost into your films i wish you every success with your channel.
Thanks so much Jon!
Another great one, mate!
Interesting and informative, as always.
Awesome location and and we enjoyed as much as you. What a wonderful people there. LOVED IT VERY PEACEFUL
Cheers Harry! :)
What a great video. The editing was excellent to compliment the beautiful scenery. Subbed 👍
Thanks so much for the sub!
Another great video Steve, was nice to say hello to you and Alicja in Montrose, was a lovely sunny day today. Found the Rabbie Burns and Banse statues too, thanks to your recent Montrose video. Look forward to watching more of your content.
If your looking for a challenge that combines great driving scenery, a bit of walking and a good dram of whisky/coffee, have you every thought of heading to Ardnamurchan point/lighthouse. There's a good cafe at the lighthouse, and a very good wee distillery over in Tobermory on Mull via the ferry.
Hey You! Lovely to meet You too :) and thanks so much for the tip - I’ve written it down in my wee book :)
Another great trip Steve.
Blimey that's what i call a bit of a rush to get to the Lighthouses.
Look forward to seeing the next one.
Cheers Tim!
fantastic video enjoyed it thank you for showing
Thanks Jeanette!
Really brilliant videos. So simple. Well done.
Steve, what a grand video! I love how Great Britain (and, frankly, most of Europe) is so well connected with public transport. It’s doable to a point here in the States, but only just.
Looks like you had a perfect day weather wise. Thanks so much for taking us along! Cheers and ATB
Well public transport is well connected on Rathlin as long as there are 6 of you!😂
@@squinugie2091 6 early birds! Seems there are plenty of lazy bones! 🤣
Thanks Erin! It doesn’t always go so smoothly, but glad it worked out on this day :)
I have enjoyed your videos, but this one is in a different league. Stunning. I think you forgot to say how lucky you were with the weather.
Hey thanks so much Colin! Really enjoyed this trip :)
Excellent video, as always!
Hey Steve...great to see and hear your experience of beautiful Rathlin Island..
It is "Pre-Covid" since I travelled there with my husband and daughter one beautiful August day (I think 2018?)
It will be one of the most beautiful, memorable, magical, happy and exhillarating experiences I have had in many years - not least with the bus driver who stopped on the bend of one of the little "roads" with 1'in 8'hills to give us a very hairy, scary and hillariously funny history of various parts of the Island...
Wouldn't have missed it for the world...😄
Sounds fantastic 🤣 Thanks so much for sharing :)
Great video, thanks.
So interesting. Thanks Steve
Thanks Geoff!
I watched this on the big telly tonight (with my old man from Belfast).
We both enjoyed your video very much, all familiar territory to us 😊
Nice one! Absolutely loved it over there, so good to finally get out the city!
Thanks from a first-time viewer. I was practically gasping for breath as you were walking uphill and climbing stairs. Would love to visit Northern Ireland again, having spent only a day and night on the Antrim Coast back in 1988.
Hey Charles, thanks so much for stopping by :)
Amazing scenery, You are the best ambassador for both Northern Ireland and Scotland!
I love your video, best part of it was the expression on your face after you tried the dulce!!! I have the same reaction and out in the compost pile it goes, weird for someone who lives on an island in the state of Maine (US). You would think I could be happy with eating anything from the ocean...nope! Anyway, love your video, thank you for sharing!
Haha I can understand that! I would have thought I’d love ‘the taste of the sea’ 🤣