#HarbourHeritage - The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival as previously reported on Afloat begins today, Friday 26 May and continues until this Sunday.

As part of the festival that celebrates the rich and diverse maritime culture centred on Rathlin Sound, the body of water that lies between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle, there will be Coastal Walking tours about the rich maritime heritage of the Co. Antrim mainland harbour area. The organisers, the Nine Glens Walking Tours are delighted to have be asked by the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival Committee to be part of the festival programme.

On each tour (weekend-only) they will be about the ancient harbour of Port Brittas, the rich tapestry of names that have left their impression on the harbour area, the tales of Irish Mythology surrounding Deirdre and the Sorrows, or the well-known Children of Lir who were banished to the Sea of Moyle for 300 years.

The tour will last approximately 1.5hrs and will be enriched by historical pictures and maps of the harbour area and an opportunity to sample some fantastic local produce.

Tour Details – Meeting point Portnagree Visitor Information Centre, Bay Road.

Tour 1 – Saturday 27th of May 11am
Tour 2 - Saturday 27th of May 5pm

Tour 3 – Sunday 28th of May 11am
Tour 4 – Sunday 28th of May 5pm

Further tour infomation: Each tour is limited to a maximum of 15 people with places allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would like to book a tour, click this LINK and enter your contact details along with the reference RSMF2017 in the subject line and your preferred tour in the message box, or send a PM.

For further details about the main festival programme click this link.

The ferry service from Ballycastle to Rathlin is currently operated by fast-ferry Rathlin Express along with car-ferry Canna. A newbuild car ferry, Spirit of Rathlin is due to enter service, for updates and more in general about sailings etc, visit here.