Welcome to Rathkill: a true escape from modern life.
We’ve been expecting you.
What Visitors Are Saying
“I’m never going back.”
“The cottage we rented had a guestbook. That’s normal, I suppose. What wasn’t normal was that every entry was in my handwriting.
Pages and pages of it, dated years before I’d ever heard of Rathkill. Some entries described things I hadn’t done yet—arguments I would later have, places in the house I hadn’t explored.
The last entry was written in a shakier version of my hand. It just said: ‘Don’t stay the night.’
We laughed it off. Locked the doors. Went to bed.
At some point, I woke up because I could hear someone in the next room, slowly turning the pages.”
— Ronan
“It never ends.”
“I only went for the afternoon. That’s what the ferry man said it would be: 3 hours, maybe 4 if the tide turned. But when I got back, my phone said it was the previous Thursday.
There are paths, but they don’t stay where you remember them. I tried to retrace my steps to the jetty and found myself at the same low stone wall three times, each time with more stones missing.
I didn’t see anyone else there. Not exactly. But I kept hearing someone walking just behind me, matching my pace perfectly. When I stopped, it stopped. When I turned, there was nothing. When I started again, it was already a step ahead.”
— Charlie
“They let me go”
“I document abandoned places. I was so excited when I got to finally come here. When I got home, I uploaded the photos. At first glance, everything looked fine.
Then I started noticing the people.
Not in the background: standing in the middle of the frame, facing the camera. In every single shot. Different distances, same posture. Arms down, head slightly tilted.
I don’t remember seeing them. Not once.
In the last photo, the one I took just before I got on the boat, the figure is close enough that I should be able to make out a face.
But it’s just… blurred. Not like motion blur. More like something has been rubbed out.”
— Christine
Island Highlights: a visitors’ guide
NATURE: SENSATIONAL, PROTECTED, WILD
This island is a Special Area of Conservation, widely known for its diverse flora that is unique to this one island, such as the Atramenta pavoris, or Widow’s Veil, and lichen species such as Cladonia salis‑memor, The Mariners’ Mercy.
Here you will also find rare bird species like the pelagornithids (Bony-toothed Birds). These seabirds feature bizarre tooth-like bony projections on their jaws and possess the widest wingspan of any known bird.
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Exploring can be peaceful, maybe? Many ships and their sailors have gone down around the island, so it’s perfect for wreck diving in the crystal-clear Atlantic waters.
Most of the island's lowlands are protected peat bogs. Do not leave the paths. Do not follow the lights. Do not hum along to any music you might hear. No humming. Seriously.
ISLAND KITCHEN DINING
We recommend:
Mark’s famous seaweed potato cakes!
These pan‑fried cakes are made from mashed potato, flakes of smoked fish and chopped kelp or dillisk, served with lemony mayo. Yum!
Spicy Seadog (with chilli and herbs)
Oil‑based pasta loaded with mixed shellfish and fish, garlic, white wine, parsley, lemon and whatever level of chilli heat you’d like.
The one and only actual lobster roll
Butter‑toasted brioche or split-top bun, stuffed with chilled lobster in a light lemon‑herb mayo, a hint of chives, and crispy lettuce.
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For a fresh look into our charming island paradise
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime to the editor of our local newsletter: me, Orion Slade.
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Come and find out.
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The Salty Skeleton: the oldest pub on the island: right by the harbour with lovely sea views
The Malingerer: the tiniest pub on the island: further inland, near the black fort. Fabulous food.
For coffee visit the Angler’s Rest. They have flat whites and tales to tell.
The library is always open and waiting for you. Say hello to Poppet, the cat.
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THE BLACK FORT is probably the main attraction. It’s a prehistoric fort perched on a 100-metre-high cliff overlooking the ocean.
The fort consists of a series of concentric walls and chambers, with the outermost wall being 4 metres thick and 6 metres high in some places.
Archaeological excavations suggest that it was occupied from around 1100 BC to AD 1000, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age.
The name "Dún Dúchathair" translates to "black fort" in Irish, referring to the strangely dark and reflective marble-like rock that forms the walls and cliffs of the site.
THE ISLAND’S EYE
There is also THE ISLAND’S EYE; Located over the ancient temple of old gods we don’t remember, it is a colossal, circular geological dome shaped like a beehive with a perfectly formed round hole in the ceiling.
THE CASCADE
The cliff path above the western lighthouse gives you unparalleled access to THE CASCADE: an area where water erosion has smoothed the rock edges into flowing, wave-like shapes.
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You get the clearest views from three main spots:
The cliff path above the western lighthouse is a great spot. Watch out for the sheer drop to the rocks below.
The old ferry jetty. We abandoned it for a reason but it’s a great place to take photos from before you run away.
The island’s eye. If you climb this huge circular geological dome shaped like a beehive you might die. But once they recover your photos from your oddly preserved corpse, everyone would say they’re spectacular.
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You have three options:
Ella’s.
The only official guest house, this A-frame house is convivial and inviting.
Mark’s Mam.
Facing the sea, there’s a single room available in this authentic cottage.
Camping.
Good luck with that.
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Approximately 180 people live year-round on the island. The population fluctuates slightly depending on the source and season, but community consensus places the active resident count between 175 and 200 people.