Forgotten islands: The cradle of radio lies on the Irish island of Rathlin
Andreas Fritsch
· 16.07.2024
Located between Ireland and Scotland, Rathlin is one of the favourite islands of YACHT author Leon Schulz (reginasailing.com). Where the Atlantic Ocean squeezes through the sound at its narrowest point, on one side lies the much-sung-about Cape Mull of Kintyre with its infamous eddies and overfalls. Opposite, on the Irish side, is the tranquil Rathlin.
The island is rarely visited by sailors. Most of them quickly round Mull in Scotland to get from the Firth of Clyde to the whisky island of Islay. Alternatively, they sail directly from Northern Ireland to the whisky capital of the Hebrides. Rathlin Island is exactly halfway along the route, so it is definitely worth a visit. Not only because of the marvellous nature, the idyllic atmosphere, the beautiful approach and the challenges of the tides. But also because the cradle of modern communication is located here - something that very few people realise.
The Italian engineer Marconi built the world's first commercial radio station on Rathlin. You can hike to the lighthouse at Altacarry Head in the north-east of the island and marvel at the tentative beginnings of radio transmission. It is a must-see for sailors, even if VHF equipment is no longer used so often. In 1898, Marconi also laid the foundation stone of our modern mobile phone world. Back then, messages were transmitted almost seven miles over to the Irish island of Bellycastle as soon as the lookout in the lighthouse spotted a ship coming from America. This meant that not only the industrial harbours in England could prepare for unloading. The London Stock Exchange also benefited from the information advantage.
It is easy to explain why the Italian Marconi set up his first commercial radio station in Ireland: Love had brought him to the north. He was married to an Irish woman from a well-heeled whisky family, who also financed his communications company.
Position
55° 18' 04'' N, 006° 13' 25'' W
Size
approx. 4 x 3 nautical miles
Inhabitants
approx. 75
Harbours & bays
Small island harbour with floating jetties. The water in front is just over two metres deep, even at low tide.
Tips
McCuaigs Bar, the island meeting place, serves seafood and, of course, Guinness. Also recommended: the "Café Lazybird". Beautiful hiking trails across the island, with unspoilt nature, many seabirds and seals on the rocks. If you like, you can hire a bike.
