Northern Ireland's ONLY inhabited offshore island is an absolute gem - my journey to Rathlin Island

Hi Steve, I am a Translink bus driver so for your viewers information if you had gone on to Coleraine, which is the biggest town on the Causeway coast you can get a 402 bus every half hour to Ballycastle and it stops just also right by the harbour. This trip also has the advantage of hugging the coast and passes the Giants Causeway and the Rope bridge and the whole journey is framed with Scotland in the distance.

I am a bus driver, although now I spend most of my time in an office and do not do as much driving as I did. You wouldn't believe how much a a nice friendly greeting helps us along. So on behalf of my fellow bus drivers, thank you Steve. I'm sure the driver did what he did because you were friendly and respectful to him. 😊 Oh and the buses on the Island are over 30 years old. I used to drive them in my first job as a bus driver, and they were second hand then. That was nearly over twenty years ago. 😂

The people of NI are friendly, gracious, and helpful. On a rainy, cold day in Belfast recently, decided to treat self to a “black cab” tour. Cabbie asked if I minded picking up a fare at a local church. This was the start of a fantastic journey. I got to meet people as they gathered after Mass, while cabbie collected his rider, a disabled young man who lived in care. On to care home where I was invited for tea and a break from dreadful weather. What a delightful day! I was treated like a daughter come home from America. Met residents and visitors, learned so much about NI, and got to bask in unbelievable hospitality. I’d stepped into a dream, but realized this is NI ! Thanks Steve, for your great travelogues!

Absolutely stunning! I played rugby in Northern Ireland during the 70s at the height of the troubles,,,,,my parents, family and friends warned me not to go....The warmth I experienced was incredible. It truly is a beautiful country. Thank you young fella!

It was my last journey before a big depressive mental desease showed on me. Really, few days after, life stopped for me. I took trains, buses and ships to get there from Belfast. This amazing video, reminds me when I was still an happy man !

We visited Rathlin in June. Unlike the great weather you experienced ours was cold wet and extremely windy. I took advantage of the bus to go to the bird sanctuary but two ladies who came on our ferry decided to walk. Everyone was sitting in the cafe enjoying hot drinks when the two brave ladies eventually emerged from the mist and rain. When they came into the cafe the whole place erupted with cheers and rounds of applause. I know you will appreciate how brave these ladies were.

Enjoying the content, Northern Ireland is always overshadowed, great to see someone sharing it, still waiting for a video on Arbroath

Great video. I’m Northern Ireland born and bred. Lived here all my life, but I’ve never made it to Rathlin! On my bucket list

Yet another fantastic video, Steve! I love how you've discovered Northern Ireland and are featuring it more in your videos. NI is such a wonderful place and is often overlooked by many, but it is such an amazing destination. And Rathlin Island - beautiful! Have to put it on my "Places to visit" list!

All of Ireland , north , south east and west have great beauty and some great islands.

The cliffs in Northern Ireland are one of the most beautiful, rugged and natural cliffs I have ever seen!! Great video Steve!!

Great trip. But I'm slightly surprised that when you went to the East lighthouse, you didn't go just little bit further on to Bruce's Castle and Bruce's Cave. That's where Robert Bruce spent a little time at one of his low points (before he took Turnberry if my memory serves) looking at Scotland. As a Scot, that should be a place of pilgrimage for you!

Memories, Steve! While working on other RSPB sites in Northern Ireland I was lucky enough to visit and work on Rathlin an a few occasions, both at the Seabird centre/West lighthouse and projects on the Eastern side of the island. More than the view, there are a couple of other Scottish connections there, at that time I was there the main ferry was the former Calmac ferry MV Canna. There is, or was, a ferry linking Ballycastle with Campeltown and Islay. It's also said that Robert the Bruce took sanctuary in a cave on Rathlin and here he witnessed the spider struggle to make a web. There are often seals in the harbour and there are some huge sea cliffs on the Northern side on the island. As you say, the people of Northern Ireland are fantastic, truly welcoming and warm.

I would absolutely love to go to Rathlin, Steve, but it seems highly unlikely so your video is so appreciated. You couldn't have filmed in better weather too..... so a big thank you for all you showed us!!

One of the best weekends I have EVER had was spent on Rathlin when I lived and worked in NI. The Island is a treasure, the locals are so welcoming. Thank you for sharing this Steve it has brought back many happy memories. I would love to go back there some day. I love your Scottish videos too as I lived and worked there too for fifteen years and I miss Scotland so much.

Another great video. Goes to show how interesting our respective countries are but very similar too.

Another enjoyable & brilliant video. All the hard work & efforts has once again paid off 🎥 well done 👍

Love the "will he" "won't he" drama of these trips. Another enjoyable one.

Loved this video and I have watched a few of your others Steve. As such, I subscribed to your channel. I really enjoy how you present your travels.

I've been looking forward to this and it really didn't disappoint. Excellent as always.