Belfast & Northern Ireland

The Gobbins Cliff Path & Visitor Centre

  Middle Rd, Islandmagee, Co. Antrim      (+44) (0)28 9337 2318     more than a year ago
On the very edge of the Irish Sea lies The Gobbins cliff path, one of the ‘best kept secrets’ along NI’s Causeway Coastal Route and just 20 miles north of Belfast on the Islandmagee peninsula.

This dramatic and challenging cliff-face path combines spectacular tubular and suspension bridges, caves, steps, and tunnels carved through the rock. Follow the curves of curious geology to immerse yourself in this exhilarating journey and discover the ancient stories and fascinating heritage of this unique attraction.

Originally built in 1902, The Gobbins cliff path was once more popular than the Giant’s Causeway. Today this phenomenal feat of engineering has been re-imagined for the 21st century to bring new generations ever closer to the coast.

The Gobbins was the brainchild of Berkeley Deane Wise, Chief Engineer of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company. By the late 1950s Wise's path had dramatically deteriorated, but there were still many who shared his belief in The Gobbins as a potential world-class attraction.

One of The Gobbins path's greatest champions was filmmaker, photographer, historian and lecturer, the late John H Lennon, from Co. Down. Lennon made numerous surveys of the old path; extensively researched methods to build new bridges and even made two films about it. So impressive was his work both the army and navy offered to help his proposed restoration.

Today visitors are whisked from the Visitor Centre by bus to the start of the path where they can, once again, experience the feeling of 'walking on water'. As you navigate the edge of the North Coast, watch the water rise up to greet you and immerse yourself in breathtakingly beautiful views, keeping an eye out for frequently-spotted pods of dolphins and porpoises.

Your tour bus will also stop on the way back to see pretty Portmuck beach and have a distant glimpse of the Game of Thrones Ice Wall, filmed in nearby Magheramorne Quarry. All told, there truly is no other local experience quite like it.

Book online in advance to avoid disappointment. Please be aware of all visitor access guidelines also available online - and detailed below. Visitors not wishing to walk the path can enjoy the Visitor Centre with its cafe, extensive exhibition and outdoor playpark.

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Amenities

Guarded parking
Restaurant

Open

1st March - 1st week in Jan: Daily 08:30 - 17:00.

Price/Additional Info

Guided 2hr 30min Tour: 16+ £20, Child/Senior/Student £14.50, Family (2+3) £42. Group rates available. Access to Vistor Centre free. Limited free parking available. The Gobbins is a 2400m walk along a narrow, uneven path with many steps and a very steep climb at the end. Tour not suitable for those under 1.2m (approx 4ft) high, even if carried, or people with cardiac, respiratory or asthmatic conditions. U16 must be accompanied by an adult. Walking aids not permitted due to path narrowness. Suitable outdoor clothing and walking shoes/boots must be worn. No smoking or animals permitted past Wise's Eye.

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25.05.2023
Jan
England
Thanks for the info. We're looking forward to visiting next week!
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