Had two days off this week to make up for none last week. So we went up the North coast to Ballycastle and took the boat to Rathlin for the day. Trip takes 45 minutes. Usual story here you meet people on the boat who know people you know and so we had a good chat on the way over.
Turned out to be a fine warm day on Rathlin which was absolutely beautiful at this time of year with the heather in bloom.
Did two of the four geocaches on the island. One of them was near Robert the Bruce's fort in which he took refuge after his deafeat by the English in 1306. His famous cave where story of Robert the Bruce and the spider originates is nearby. Sir Francis Drake, (who had based himself at Carrickfergus Castle!) demolished the fort when he arrived in 1575 . A few low walls are all that's left.
Had a picnic and a doze in the sun. Rathlin is so empty and quiet that it does your heart and soul good.
Made our way back to the boat and arrived early so had a cup of coffee bside the harbour. Met lots of visitiors from Wicklow and Germany. Ferry arrived and it rained on the way back.