Rathlin Island has launched its summer 2026 ferry timetable, running from April 3 to September 30, with an added return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the island, which has recently achieved a remarkable conservation milestone.
After a £4.5 million, five-year partnership led by RSPB NI, Rathlin Island is now officially ferret-free. The invasive ferrets, believed to have been introduced in the 1980s, had grown to a population of over 100, preying on the island’s rich seabird population, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots.
Liz Kimmins, a representative from the ferry service, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am happy to confirm this new summer schedule to help address needs identified by the community.” The new ferry timetable aims to enhance accessibility for both residents and visitors, fostering a stronger connection to the island’s unique environment.
The ferret eradication project, part of the LIFE Raft initiative established in 2021, has not only restored the balance of wildlife on Rathlin but also represents a world-first for inhabited islands. Joanne Sherwood, from RSPB NI, remarked, “This is an extraordinary moment for Rathlin, for Northern Ireland, and for conservation globally.”
Before the eradication, ferrets had a devastating impact on local wildlife, with reports indicating that a single ferret killed 26 puffins in 2017. Since the removal of ferrets, no rats have been spotted on the island, and the first breeding Manx shearwater in over two decades was confirmed in 2025.
Erin McKeown, a local resident, celebrated the success, saying, “It’s brilliant to be ferret-free.” The community’s involvement in the eradication program has been crucial, with Michael Rafferty noting, “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.”
As Rathlin Island prepares for the summer season, observers are eager to see how these developments will affect local tourism and wildlife conservation efforts. The community remains optimistic about the future, with a renewed focus on preserving the island’s natural beauty and ecological integrity.
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