On the Rock there is a lighthouse, built 1855–1860 from granite and limestone and automated in 1989, and several walls and outbuildings.

The walled areas of the Rock have enabled a build-up of soil and the establishment of vegetation, notably tree mallow (Malva arborea), which provides nesting cover for the birds.

It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because of its seabird colonies.

[3] Rockabill Lighthouse is owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and is a Refuge for Fauna and a Special Protection Area under the European Union Birds Directive.

Since 1989, when the protection afforded by the lighthouse keepers ceased, the islands have been managed by BirdWatch Ireland.