History of the Manor House

This Georgian house which overlooks the harbour was built in 1756 for the Gage family, who bought the Island in 1746 from Lord Antrim for  £1750

The last member of the Gage family to live at the Manor House was Brigadier Rex Gage who died in 1973 and is buried at St Thomas church just a short walk away

The Lovelock family later bought the house and resided in it for a few years before it fell into disrepair. A local committee, The Rathlin Island Trust then bought the house and began renovations, employing local people and craftsmen. Their work can still be seen today in our handmade staircase.

The house was bought in 1998 by the National Trust and opened its doors as a Bed and Breakfast for the first time. In 2016 a community led reconstruction project to modify the building took place and the Manor House now boasts 12 bedrooms, a licenced restaurant and event space that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Today the Manor House is run by a local family and thrives to be the heart of the Island community whilst creating a warm and welcoming environment for all those visiting Rathlin.

About the Island

From the Rathlin community website

Rathlin Island is situated off the north east coast of Ireland, and is the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland. Because of its geographical position, Rathlin has long had associations with both Ireland and Scotland, and it once lay at the heart of the ancient kingdom of Dal Riada.

The island has County Antrim to the south, the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal to the west, the island of Islay in the Hebrides to the north, and the Mull of Kintyre in mainland Scotland to the east. Today, Rathlin has modern transport, communications and tourist facilities, and a steadily rising permanent population of around 150 people.

Rathlin Island has a long and eventful history, and some of the most breath-taking scenery anywhere in Ireland or Britain. It offers unspoilt environments and is renowned for its wildlife, particularly its seabird breeding colonies. The island offers relaxing peace and quiet, as well as the friendliest of welcomes. Come and visit us!

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