Rathlin Island has officially launched its summer ferry service timetable for 2026, running from April 3 to September 30. This new schedule includes an additional return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Liz Kimmins, a representative involved in the ferry service, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I am happy to confirm this new summer schedule to help address needs identified by the community.” This initiative comes at a time of significant ecological recovery for the island.
In a remarkable conservation achievement, Rathlin Island is now ferret-free after a £4.5 million project led by RSPB NI, which began in 2021. The invasive ferrets, believed to have been introduced in the 1980s, had grown to a population of over 100, preying on local seabirds and chickens.
Before the eradication, a single ferret was responsible for the death of 26 puffins in 2017, highlighting the urgent need for action. Erin McKeown, a local advocate, celebrated the success, remarking, “It’s brilliant to be ferret-free.” This project represents a world-first for inhabited islands and has been supported by various funding bodies, including the EU LIFE and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Rathlin Island is home to over 250,000 seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and Manx shearwaters. The successful removal of ferrets has already shown positive results, with the first breeding Manx shearwater confirmed in 2025 after a 40-year absence.
Joanne Sherwood, a conservation leader, noted, “This is an extraordinary moment for Rathlin, for Northern Ireland, and for conservation globally.” The community’s involvement in the eradication program has been crucial, as highlighted by Michael Rafferty, who called it a “brilliant red letter day for Rathlin Island, and for the community who have been amazing to work with on the eradication programme.”
With no rats spotted on Rathlin Island since last summer, the island’s ecosystem is on a path to recovery, fostering hopes for a vibrant wildlife future. Observers are eager to see how these developments will enhance both tourism and conservation efforts on the island.
