The newly refurbished Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre is to re-open next month, the RSPB NI has announced.

The centre, which will open to the public on 24 March, is home to one of the UK's largest seabird colonies.

The work has been made possible by a significant investment from the Commissioners for Irish Lights of over £600,000 and funding from the European Union's INTERREG IVA cross-border Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The refurbishment has seen a complete upgrade of the visitor centre and, for the first time, it will be possible to access the 'upside down' lighthouse built on Rathlin's cliffs.

Joanne Sherwood, RSPB NI Director, said: "Rathlin Island is a truly special place and home to all sorts of wonderful wildlife. We're thrilled that visitors to the West Light Seabird Centre can once again experience the spectacle of the seabird colony as well as now being able to explore the lighthouse to learn all about its rich history and the nature beyond its walls.

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"RSPB NI is delighted to have worked with SEUPB and Irish Lights on this unique project, which simply wouldn't have been possible without their support. We can't wait to re-open the Seabird Centre and welcome visitors to enjoy this fantastic place."

Yvonne Shields, Chief Executive of Irish Lights, said: "Irish Lights is delighted to be collaborating with RSPB NI on this project. The breathtakingly beautiful Rathlin West Light is a fantastic opportunity to discover navigation technology at work today, the maritime history and heritage of the island and past generations and the amazing bird life and natural history of Rathlin Island.

"Rathlin West Light is also connected through the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative to a necklace of other lighthouses around the coast of Ireland so visitors have a chance to connect to our rich maritime tradition at a range of spectacular locations around the coast and there is something for everyone."

(CD/JP)