An hour and a half in the car followed by a short ferry ride doesn’t sound particularly ambitious, but with two under two in tow, it felt like quite an expedition!
We’d been sending our Irish Linen decorations to Rathlin Island for over four years, so we decided to go the extra mile and hand-deliver the latest order, with our two smallest delivery assistants along for the adventure. A rather lovely excuse for a family day out.
Just a few steps to the right as you leave the ferry, the beautifully named ‘Spirit of Rathlin’, you’ll find Breakwater Studio. Artist and shop owner Yvonne has created such a welcoming place, with her exquisite paintings of the island’s flora and fauna nestled among tempting gifts and souvenirs.
Her puffins are particularly wonderful, and it was through Yvonne that I learnt about Rathlin’s golden hares: Irish hares with an unusual golden coat and striking blue eyes. Another little island treasure to look out for.
Our delivery included linen puffins, seals and other seaside characters, along with a few lighthouses. Rathlin has three of its own, so they were in good company!
With my fondness for collecting Christmas decorations all year round, I wasn’t going to leave empty-handed. Some dinky wooden puffins and little metal seagulls came home with us, ready for the tree.
Then it was time to meet the real puffins.
We hopped on the Puffin Bus to the West Light Seabird Centre, where the viewing platforms look out over towering cliffs and sea stacks crowded with nesting seabirds. The sight—and the extraordinary noise—was quite something. Such a dramatic gathering on an otherwise peaceful island, with the puffins very much the stars of the show.
The centre shares its setting with Rathlin’s remarkable ‘upside-down’ lighthouse. There were steps, many, many steps, and a pram that couldn’t come down with us. We were determined, though, and the views were well worth the effort!
Afterwards, we sat in the sunshine for a picnic before catching the last ferry home. It was a magical day with the boys, and one I’m so glad we made the effort to do.
My own Rathlin Island Puffin is a rather different interpretation of these colourful little characters, reimagined in my signature natural Irish Linen with luxurious, sparkling gold thread. It’s lovely to think of happy day-trippers taking one home from Yvonne’s shop as a little reminder of their own island adventure.
We can’t wait to go back.
If you’re planning your own adventure, visit the RSPB’s Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre page for opening times and information to help plan your visit.
Katie xox
