The summer 2026 ferry service timetable for Rathlin Island has been officially launched, running from April 3 to 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 achievement, Rathlin Island is now ferret-free following a £4.5 million project led by RSPB NI. The invasive ferrets, introduced in the 1980s, had grown to a population of over 100, preying on local seabirds and chickens. Erin McKeown expressed relief, stating, “It’s brilliant to be ferret-free.”
The ferret eradication project, known as the LIFE Raft project, began in 2021 and represents a world-first for inhabited islands. The project was funded by various organizations, including EU LIFE, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA, and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Rathlin Island is home to over 250,000 seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and Manx shearwaters. The successful removal of ferrets has led to a resurgence in local wildlife, with the first breeding of Manx shearwaters confirmed in 2025 after a 40-year absence.
Joanne Sherwood remarked, “This is an extraordinary moment for Rathlin, for Northern Ireland, and for conservation globally,” highlighting the project’s significance. Michael Rafferty also celebrated the community’s involvement, calling it a “brilliant red letter day for Rathlin Island.”
Notably, no rats have been spotted on Rathlin Island since last summer, further contributing to the island’s recovery. The ferret population had previously caused severe threats to the local ecosystem, with one ferret recorded killing 26 puffins in 2017.
As the summer ferry timetable is set to begin, observers are keen to see how the island’s conservation efforts will continue to evolve and impact local wildlife. The successful eradication of ferrets marks a new chapter for Rathlin Island, promising a healthier environment for its diverse seabird population.
