Rathlin Island sits off the north coast of Ireland, its closest point is approx. 2.25 miles from Fair Head . It is also the closest point to Scotland and is 11 miles from the Mull of Kintyre . It is roughly ten miles in length and covers a total area of 3500 acres . Because of the closeness to Scotland it has often been at the centre of many an argument over ownership . It was finally settled in 1617 by a simple test that had also been applied to the Isle of Man, if a snake or other poisonous serpent could survive on the island it was taken as being part of the mainland . If it died then Ireland was the owner, Ireland finally was declared the true owner History of Rathlin Island,the Island sits off the north coast of Northern Ireland, its closest point is approx. 2.25 miles from Fair Head . On this page you can find photos and images of Rathlin Island school, Church and Chapel, Church Bay , Mill Bay, Manor house and the harbour along with photos of the seals which frequent the island and of course the RSPB station at the far end of Rathlin Island with its steep ragged cliffs and bird life galore !
