Rathmullan is a village situated on the shores of Lough Swilly on the north-west coast of Ireland in County Donegal. In 1889 Wyllie was present there as a guest of the Royal Navy during manoeuvres on the lough. The resulting watercolours were exhibited the same year at an exhibition, 'The Queen's Navy', held at the Fine Art Society, London, and it is likely that this finished and signed watercolour was included in the exhibition.

The view is to the south looking up Lough Swilly. On the left of the watercolour is Inch Top, the summit of Inch Island, which is part of the Inishowen Peninsula. Rathmullan is located on the shore on the right-hand side, and in the centre foreground is a naval ship's gig, or boat.