Rathlin Island Puffin

6.5 × 8.5 cm

Meet our Rathlin Island Puffin, a rather charming little seabird inspired by the extraordinary wildlife found along Ireland's rugged northern coastline. With his distinctive colourful beak, smart black-and-white plumage and slightly comical appearance, there's something quite irresistible about a puffin, don't you think?

Just off the coast of County Antrim lies Rathlin Island, a wonderfully wild and beautiful place. Each spring and summer, thousands of seabirds flock to its dramatic cliffs and rocky stacks, creating a bustling little seabird city. Puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes gather in extraordinary numbers, jostling, greeting and squabbling as they compete for space. The noise is incredible! Amongst the commotion, our much-loved puffins can often be spotted returning to their nesting burrows with beakfuls of silvery sandeels. Quite the spectacle!

Although known for his distinctive colouring, my interpretation of this little seabird has been translated into our signature oatmeal Irish Linen, with its beautiful natural texture and contrasting yet complementary champagne-gold embellishments. A unique and harmonious palette of sparkling neutrals, bringing a little understated glamour to this much-loved seabird.

Our little Puffin is a celebration of these fascinating creatures, lovingly recreated in beautiful Irish Linen with intricate hand-stitched detailing. Perhaps you've visited the Cliffs of Moher, Hook Lighthouse or the spectacular Causeway Coast? This little trinket makes a lovely souvenir of your travels around the island of Ireland, or a reminder of its remarkable natural heritage, whether hanging on the Christmas tree or displayed throughout the year.

And while he may look rather dressed up in his smart little outfit, he's equally at home amongst the windswept cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves as he is perched rather proudly on your Christmas tree. He's certainly dressed up for the occasion!

I've always loved visiting and supporting the independent shops that stock my pieces. Meeting the owners in person is one of the most rewarding parts of running my business, and a wonderful reminder of the people and places behind each order. I was taken to Rathlin Island as a child, so returning years later with my own children was particularly special. Travelling with a baby and toddler in tow was quite the adventure, but such a memorable one! You can find our little Puffin at Breakwater Studios, a charming craft shop on the island itself, directly opposite the ferry landing, as well as at the National Trust gift shop along the North Coast.

Our Irish Linen

Our luxury artisan decorations are handcrafted from beautiful Irish Linen, thoughtfully sourced from a mixture of vintage fabrics, local mill deadstock, repurposed antique tablecloths and offcuts from our own cushion making. We also work with a small number of wonderful Irish linen mills, including one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, carefully selecting fabrics for their colour, texture and character.