Arkell House Bed and Breakfast - Ballycastle

Roslyn P.

I stayed in Alan and Hilary's cottage, up the hill from Arkell House. As I have just added it to TripAdvisor, I am leaving a review here too.||Skye Cottage is a wonderful two bedroom cottage overlooking Church Bay, in beautiful Rathlin Island. Recently refurbished, it is a calm and comfortable space, with wonderful views and generous outdoor space.||Owners, Alan and Hilary, are fantastic hosts, collecting guests from the ferry port and completing a tour of the main areas before bringing them to the cottage. They are a lovely blend of knowledgeable and entertaining.||I had four great days staying in the cottage, enjoying watching the island change as the light and weather evolved.||The bed was extremely comfortable, there was plenty of hot water and the well equipped kitchen was spotlessly clean.||Skye Cottage is up a very steep hill but, with the views all around, there are plenty of spots to stop and rest if needs be. Otherwise, the island residents are very kind and there is a bus that passes, en route to the RSPA centre.||I whole heartedly recommend a stay in Skye Cottage or any of Alan and Hilary's other guest accommodation on Rathlin.

Bridget F.

We stayed at Skye cottage up the hill. Totally newly refurbished and we were 1st occupiers last weekend. Bed so very comfortable. Pristine condition with lots of food left for us. We thoroughly savoured our full Irish breakfast on returning from a 4 mile walk to West lighthouse. |An unexpected pleasure and beautiful island.|Thank you Hilary and Alan ||Our lighthouses trips get better all the time.

irene R.

We stayed for two nights with Hilary and Alan. Rathlin Island is spectacular firstly. Arkell House is architecturally like a lighthouse. It is aesthetically kitsch and quaint but modern. Honestly it is the cosiest place I have ever stayed in. Alan met us at the Dock and he is so bubbly and informative. His wife had slow cooked a morrocan Lamb tagine with mash for us. It was divine and what we needed after a long journey. Unfortunately we didn't get to meet Hilary. Alan made superb breakfast continental and Irish breakfast for us we were stuffed until lunch! The view was spectacular at breakfast overlooking the water and docked boats. Alan has lots of stories and information on the island. He had us all enthralled by his knowledge. On the second night I had a lovely hot bath and it was divine. Honestly after this break I feel like it did us all as a family the world of good. We will be back regularly and it was all down to Alan and Hilary.Thank you so much. 5*

Claire ?.

A wonderful time was had by all 3 of us this weekend with Hilary! We felt like we were staying with friends. Her warm welcome and delicious food were really great, and she was so helpful with accommodating our little 2 year old daughter. Perfect location to explore Rathlin from

Mrs S. W.

Mum (80) and I (55) stayed here for 2 nights from May 31st 2022.||We couldn't have chosen better! ||Lovely house, super clean, with a great sea front location (right next to the pub!) ||Star of the show though was our host, Hilary. She picked us up and dropped us off at the ferry port, was always on hand to offer advice/info and does a fantastic breakfast which really set us up for our walks each day! Can't recommend Arkel House highly enough.

Al S.

From the first phone call to make a booking to the last handshake when Hilary and Alan dropped us back to Ballycastle was sheer perfection. They couldnt do enough for us. We stayed in the cottage overlooking Church Bay where the views are amazing. The cottage itself is a little old and could do with renovating but all in all it was perfect for what we needed which was a good night sleep. Collected in morning for breakfast at the main B and B then advised on bus times etc etc.
Look forward to a return trip and will 100% stay with the same hosts

Andrew M.

The best B&B imaginable

We stayed at Rathlin Island’s Arkell B&B for three nights in May 2018 and it exceeded all our expectations.

B&B does not do it justice! Hilary provided breakfast, lunch and dinner which were all to a very high standard – delicious, plentiful and wonderful value.

The property is full of character, no bland hotel rooms here, every detail has been considered in the beautifully appointed and homely rooms. Our top floor room gave us the opportunity to sit in an armchair and gaze out over church bay spotting seals, eider ducks and black guillemots in the harbour.

Nothing was too much trouble. When we arrived back late from a morning walk to pick up our packed lunch we found the sea front picnic table set with a linen table cloth and complete with fresh flowers. Hilary ran back and forth from her first floor kitchen with food wine and tea.

We were met at Ballycastle by Alan and taken over to the island in his boat which was a lovely experience. Diversions via the rope bride or to see the seals or sea bird colonies can be arranged.

Stephen M.

Had an excellent stay with Hilary. Her B&B was lovely. She made an excellent breakfast and she is a lovely host! She took our booking very last minute and couldn’t have done enough for us