In pictures: Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival attracts over 15,000 visitors

Ballycastle and Rathlin Island have attracted over 15,000 visitors as the coastal location's Maritime Festival got underway at the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st May 2016, 08:58 BST
Updated 31st May 2016, 10:38 BST
Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.
Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.

The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of Northern Ireland’s rich and diverse maritime history and the unique stretch of water lying between Ballycastle and the magical island of Rathlin.

The festival will run from 27th May to 5th June and features a bustling schedule of events perfect for families, local foodies and boating enthusiasts, beginning with a unique boat blessing to open the festival.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The activities are endless! Kids can take a ride on the famous Tall Ship, The Johanna Lucretia. Take part in a pirate-themed Children’s Treasure Hunt, learn about the tales of Vikings and the myths and legends around the Causeway Coast’s famous giant, Finn McCool.

Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.
Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.

Ulster’s inaugural Chowder Cook Off took place featuring live cookery demonstrations from none other than Paula McIntyre, and music lovers herd country music sensation Lisa McHugh’s latest tunes on Sunday evening.

All of this in addition to racing yachts and fishing trips, powerboats and traditional hand-crafted rowing boats (curraghs) – every pace and taste is catered for over the festival’s busy itinerary.

Caroline Carey, Tourism Development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, shared her excitement for this year’s event, saying: “We are delighted to invite visitors back to Rathlin Island and Ballycastle for the fourth year of this superb festival. It is a fantastic mix of culture, entertainment, nature, sport and, of course, seafood.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This year’s festival has been organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Ballycastle Community Development Group, the Rathlin Development & Community Association, and the Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.
Sand Sculpture, Tony Hawkins, pictured with the winners in the competition on Saturday. They are, Katie Coyle (1st), Eryn Long (2nd) and Oliver Caldwell (3rd). Included is sponsor and judge, Brenda Caher from ShoreBird Coffee Hut and Ryan McLaughlin.

Sponsors include Tourism Northern Ireland, Malin Waters, Rathlin Boat House Partnership, Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd, Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Naturally North Coast & Glens Market and Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network.

For more information on the full Festival programme of activities in Ballycastle and on Rathlin Island, between 27th May and 5th June, visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com.

Related topics:Rathlin IslandCauseway CoastNorthern IrelandGlens Borough Council