Rathlin '˜puffin' needs a name!

The best suggestion will win a family day trip to Rathlin Island, including a day return ferry crossing from Ballycastle, bus transfer and admission to the Seabird Centre plus a cuddly puffin toy!

Rathlin, which lies just six miles off the north coast of Northern Ireland, is home to one of the UK’s largest seabird colonies.

Since doors opened in late March, thousands of visitors from across the world have made the journey to enjoy stunning views of the wildlife which makes it home there – including hundreds of puffins.

For most of the year, puffins bob about at sea, returning to land in April. Most puffins start breeding when they are five years old and often live for more than 20 years. Between April and July the birds are hard at work raising their young (which are known as ‘pufflings’) and by August, the puffins and their charges are back off to sea.

As well as enjoying close-up views of the wonderful wildlife at the Seabird Centre, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the ‘upside down’ lighthouse. Situated at the heart of the colony, it is a spectacular feat of engineering, clinging to the cliff face with the lantern gleaming red at its foot. Along with 11 other lighthouses around the Irish coast, Rathlin West is now part of Irish Lights’ Great Lighthouses of Ireland trail.

For full terms and conditions and to enter the ‘name the mascot’ competition head to the RSPB NI Facebook page. Entries can be submitted by emailing your name and contact number, as well as one suggested name for the puffin mascot, to [email protected]. The competition closes on 2 July.

For information: www.rspb.org.uk/rathlinisland. Opening times and access can vary, so check before travelling by calling 028 2076 0062.