Rathlin Island Launches Summer 2026 Ferry Timetable
Rathlin Island has officially launched its summer 2026 ferry timetable, which will operate from Friday, April 3, to Wednesday, September 30, 2026. This new schedule includes an additional return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning, addressing community needs, according to Liz Kimmins.
In a significant conservation milestone, Rathlin Island is now ferret-free following a £4.5 million project led by RSPB NI. The invasive ferret population, which was believed to have been introduced in the 1980s, had grown to over 100 individuals, preying on the island’s seabirds and chickens.
Before the eradication, a single ferret was known to have killed 26 puffins in 2017. The successful removal of ferrets is a world-first for inhabited islands, marking a pivotal moment for both Rathlin and global conservation efforts. Joanne Sherwood described this achievement as “extraordinary for Rathlin, for Northern Ireland, and for conservation globally.”
Rathlin Island is home to over 250,000 seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and Manx shearwaters. The first breeding Manx shearwater in over 40 years was confirmed in 2025, highlighting the positive impact of the ferret eradication.
Funding for the LIFE Raft project, established in 2021, came from various sources, including EU LIFE, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA, and the Garfield Weston Foundation. Erin McKeown expressed her satisfaction, stating, “It’s brilliant to be ferret-free.”
Additionally, no rats have been spotted on Rathlin Island since last summer, further contributing to the island’s recovery. The project has also led to the recording of six calling male corncrakes, a notable increase since the ferrets’ removal.
As the summer ferry timetable approaches, the community is optimistic about the future of Rathlin Island. Michael Rafferty remarked, “This is a brilliant red letter day for Rathlin Island, and for the community who have been amazing to work with on the eradication programme.” Observers anticipate that the ferry service will enhance tourism and support local businesses.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional measures that may be implemented to further protect Rathlin’s unique ecosystem.