McCuaig’s Bar, Rathlin Island, County Antrim*

Tel: 028 2076 0011 At the northern tip of Northern Ireland – just 15 miles from Kintyre in Scotland – is Rathlin Island; a rugged four-milelong landmass, home to just 140 people. A ferry trip from the mainland delivers you to its wild shores, where you can set out on walks that crisscross the island, or take a four-mile circuit to its southern tip at Rue Point, spotting seals and puffins en route. Then relax with a good pint of Guinness and a tasty meal at McCuaig’s Bar, overlooking the harbour.