Mill Bay, Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland

#getgoing2025 Mill Bay, Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland This tiny island (six miles long and one mile wide) draws in visitors from all over the world thanks to the puffins nesting on the cliffs. Spend a morning watching these portly little birds dive-bombing into the sea for fish, and after a seafood lunch in the Water Shed Cafe, head down to the harbour for an afternoon stroll on Mill Bay. This small beach near the ferry port takes its name from the old ruins of the kelp-drying mill nearby. Today, it’s the preferred nap spot of the local seals, who will happily flop down just feet away from you to enjoy the sun. If you plan to join them, make sure to bring a deckchair as the beach is stony rather than sandy.