RATHLIN

In 1868, the parish of Rathlin contained the following places:

"RATHLIN ISLAND, a parish and an island in the barony of Cary, county Antrim, province of Ulster, Ireland, 6½ miles N. of Ballycastle, its post town. It lies about 4 miles off the N. coast of Antrim. The greater part of the surface is rocky pasture. The prevailing geologic formation is basalt, which forms a grand coast line on the W. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Connor, value £100, in the patronage of the bishop. The church was erected in 1815; partly by means of a gift from the late Board of First Fruits. There are a Roman Catholic chapel and three public schools. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in the fisheries, and are a primitive and secluded race. There is a coastguard station, also traces of a fortress, said to have been erected and used as a place of refuge by Robert Bruce. Church Bay is the chief landing place. A religious house is alleged to have been founded here by St. Colomb, in the 6th century."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018