Kebble and Kinramer Nature Reserves

Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island and is thought to come from the Irish word ‘Reachlan’ meaning ‘rocky reef’. Kebble & Kinramer Nature Reserve incorporates the town lands of Kebble, Kinramer North and Kinramer South. This beautiful area is located approximately 6 miles off the North coast of Ballycastle in County Antrim and can be found at the western end of Rathlin Island.

This particular end of the island shows a dramatic landscape of sheer cliffs and towering sea stacks rising above the Atlantic Ocean. The spectacular scenery of the high cliffs and sea stacks provide a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to view a raucous breeding seabird colony close up. Those who are interested in bird watching will be able to see thousands of different species of birds such as auks, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars raising their young on bare ledges. They may also spot comical puffins nesting in burrows digging into the grassland and if they are very lucky they may catch the rare, red legged chough soaring above them overhead.

The scenic lake and surrounding wetland may also attract nesting waterfowl such as ducks, coots, grebes and snipe nearby. This area may also be full of Irish Hare grazing on the grassland and the lucky observer may be able to catch a glimpse of the legendary ‘golden hare’.

The best time to visit this area would be late spring for orchids and the rare pyramidal bugle, summer for breeding seabirds and waders and autumn for waxcaps.

Toilets are available at the RSPB Seabird Centre (open seasonally) and there are walking trails, picnic tables and interpretative panels available. Sturdy footwear is recommended.There are grazing animals on this reserve: please respect the countryside code, use stiles, leave gates as found and no dogs allowed except for assistance dogs.

Opening times

Open access all year round.
The island is only accessible by a ferry service operating from Ballycastle.

Price from £

Admission to the reserve is free, however, there is a charge for the ferry across to the island.