Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Those with extra time, a car, and a hankering to seek out dramatic coastal cliff scenery
may want to spend a half-day boating out to Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland's only inhab-
ited island.
The Scottish Connection
The Romans called the Irish the “Scoti” (meaning pirates). When the Scoti crossed
the narrow Irish Sea and invaded the land of the Picts 1,500 years ago, that region
became known as Scoti-land. Ireland and Scotland were never conquered by the
Romans, and they retained similar clannish Celtic traits. Both share the same Gael-
ic branch of the linguistic tree.
On clear summer days from Carrick-a-Rede, the island of Mull in Scot-
land—only 17 miles away—is visible. Much closer on the horizon is the
boomerang-shaped Rathlin Island, part of Northern Ireland. Rathlin is where Scot-
tish leader Robert the Bruce (a compatriot of William “Braveheart” Wallace) re-
treated in 1307 after defeat at the hands of the English. Legend has it that he hid in a
caveontheisland,whereheobservedaspiderpatientlyrebuildingitswebeachtime
a breeze knocked it down. Inspired by the spider's perseverance, Robert gathered
his Scottish forces once more and finally defeated the English at the decisive battle
of Bannockburn.
