Cruise port Church Bay (Rathlin Island)
Info for port Church Bay (Rathlin Island) on 9 May 2028
Port information & tips for Church Bay (Rathlin Island)
Rathlin Island is a fascinating natural paradise off the coast of Northern Ireland and the country's northernmost inhabited island. The idyllic Church Bay welcomes visitors with untouched wilderness, impressive wildlife, and an atmosphere of soothing tranquility amidst the rugged beauty of the North Atlantic. Highlights include the award-winning Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre with its unique upside-down lighthouse, as well as the historic Manor House and the informative Boathouse Visitor Centre. Cruise ships dock directly at Church Bay Pier, located right in the heart of the charming island village. This central location offers direct access to all local attractions and picturesque hiking trails.
Rathlin Island, with its picturesque Church Bay, is exclusively accessible by ferry from Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. The journey to the ferry port in Ballycastle is conveniently designed thanks to good road connections and nearby airports. Since vehicles are not permitted for day trips on the island, the focus of the trip is on the convenient connection to the ferry terminal.
Airplane
The nearest international airports are Belfast International (BFS) and George Best Belfast City (BHD). Belfast International (BFS) is located approximately 60 to 64 kilometers from Ballycastle and offers transfer options by bus with transfers (travel time approximately 3 to 3.5 hours) or convenient private transfers and taxis that will take you to your destination in around one hour. George Best Belfast City (BHD) is also well connected at around 70 to 72 kilometers away; here, the travel time by bus (multiple transfers) is about 3.5 to 4 hours, while private transfers and taxis take you to Ballycastle in about 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes. Another option is City of Derry Airport (LDY), approximately 65 kilometers away, from which buses via Coleraine take about 2 to 2.5 hours and taxis around one hour to Ballycastle.
Car
Ballycastle is easy to reach via the Northern Irish road network. From Belfast, you can reach Ballycastle via the M2 heading north and then via the A26 towards Ballymena/Coleraine and the A44 (Drones Road). The drive from Belfast takes about one hour for the approximately 90 kilometers. At Ballycastle Harbour, there are paid parking spaces (Pay-and-Display) as well as other parking options in the nearby Marina parking garages. Please note that day guests are not permitted to take cars to Rathlin Island.
Train and Ferry to Rathlin
The nearest relevant train station is Coleraine. From there, you can easily reach the Ballycastle Bus Centre, which is directly connected to the station. From the Coleraine Bus Centre, the Ulsterbus line 402 runs regularly to Ballycastle; the journey takes about one hour. The ferry to Rathlin Island, which departs from Ballycastle Harbour on Bayview Road, takes you to Church Bay in approximately 25 to 40 minutes. Pre-booking ferry tickets online is strongly recommended, as this is essential for the crossing. Due to ferry times and possible onward travel, an overnight stay in Ballycastle on the day before embarkation is also recommended to start your journey in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 09 May 2028
