Rue Point Lighthouse – Rathlin’s light

Overview

Rue Point Lighthouse marks the southern extremity of Rathlin Island, guarding the narrow channel between the island and the Antrim mainland. Rising 11 metres above the rugged coastline, its bold black-and-white six-sided concrete tower houses a light positioned 16 metres above mean sea level. The beacon flashes a double white signal every five seconds (Fl (2) W 5s) and can be seen for up to 14 nautical miles, guiding ferries and fishing vessels through often choppy Irish Sea waters.

Fully automated and monitored remotely from Rathlin East Lighthouse, the station operates without resident keepers. Yet it remains an open, free-access destination that rewards visitors with panoramic views across the Causeway Coast and, on clear days, the distant Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The approach follows a quiet tarmac lane that cuts through grazing fields and coastal grassland, making it a straightforward yet deeply atmospheric stop on any island itinerary.

History

The push for a light on Rathlin’s southern tip began in July 1914, when the Derry Chamber of Commerce petitioned the Commissioners of Irish Lights following a memorial signed by Master Mariners. Sanction was granted in November 1914, but wartime priorities delayed construction. A temporary white double-flashing light was erected for the Admiralty in November 1915, accompanied by an acetylene fog gun in April 1917. A severe storm wrecked the temporary structure later that year, forcing the light onto the surviving fog-gun trestle.

Post-war, funds finally became available. Between 1920 and 1921, the six-sided concrete tower we see today was built. It housed a water-to-carbide acetylene generator, with the light and fog gun mounted on the roof. Two keepers tended the station, living in a modest wooden hut nearby. The fog gun proved notoriously unreliable; after repeated breakdowns, it was withdrawn on 1 January 1931 and replaced at Barr Point near Larne Lough.

Technological upgrades followed in the latter half of the century. The light was converted to electric operation on 9 October 1965, running on duplicated 50-volt batteries charged by diesel alternators. In March 2004, a modern optic was installed and the station was connected to mains electricity. The Commissioners of Irish Lights continue to maintain the tower, preserving its distinctive paint scheme and active navigational role.

Getting There & What to See

Reaching Rue Point is part of the experience. From the Church Bay ferry pier, follow the main road south for approximately 4 miles (6.4 km). The route is clearly sign-posted and follows a well-maintained tarmac lane that crosses open fields and passes small inland lakes. The walk takes roughly 90 minutes at a leisurely pace, but you can break the journey by using one of the two local minibuses that run from the harbour. A return ticket costs £5 for adults and £3 for children (cash only), and the driver will drop you a short walk from the lighthouse.

Once at the tower, take time to explore the immediate surroundings:

• Mill Bay seal watching – Grey seals regularly haul out on the nearby rocks. Early morning or low tide offers the best chances to see them resting or playing.
• Coastal photography – The lighthouse’s geometric shape and high-contrast colouring photograph well against the Atlantic sky. The short mast that now carries the light offers a clean, modern silhouette.
• Historical markers – Look for the remnants of the old keeper’s storage area and the rusted foundations of the former fog-gun trestle, which stood in for the light during the storm-damaged years of 1917–1920.

Wildlife & Photography

Rathlin Island is a designated Special Protection Area, and the southern peninsula supports a rich mix of coastal wildlife. While the famous puffin colonies are concentrated at the RSPB West Light cliffs further north, Rue Point’s grasslands and rocky shores host curlews, oystercatchers, and seasonal butterflies like the small tortoiseshell in July and August. Irish hares and rabbits are common in the surrounding fields, and the inland lakes attract wading birds during migration.

Photographers should plan around the light:

• Golden hour – Early morning or late afternoon softens the contrast on the black-and-white stripes and reduces harsh shadows.
• Polarising filters – Highly recommended for cutting through sea-foam glare and deepening the Atlantic blues.
• Long exposures – At dusk, a tripod and slow shutter speed can capture the rhythmic double flash against a darkening sky, though the active navigational status means the light will remain on throughout the evening.

Practical Information

Navigation & Safety

The lighthouse is an active aid to navigation. Stay behind safety railings and respect temporary signage, particularly during the seabird breeding season (April–July). The coastal lane is fully exposed to Atlantic winds; a wind-proof jacket and layers are essential year-round.

Nearby Attractions

• RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre – A short walk north brings you to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony and the unique ‘upside-down’ Rathlin West Lighthouse.
• Kelp House – Explore the island’s historic kelp-harvesting industry in a restored 18th-century kiln, just 3.3 km away.
• Standing Stone – A mysterious ancient monument located 3.7 km from the lighthouse, blending prehistoric and early Christian influences.
• Whitepark Bay Viewpoint – A dramatic clifftop vista on the mainland, 13 km away, featuring white sand dunes and ancient archaeological sites.

Start your visit with a coffee in Church Bay, then set off along the tarmac lane toward the southern tip. Allow roughly 90 minutes each way, plus time for seal spotting and coastal photography. The walk back to the harbour passes the same quiet fields and inland lakes. Time it for low tide and you stand a good chance of catching the grey seals hauled out at Mill Bay on the way.