It's one of the best-kept secrets of the Causeway Coastal Route. Yet the site sits just 20 miles north of Belfast. On the edge of the Irish Sea, the Gobbins Cliff Path is a spectacular trail built into a clifface. Walk across suspended and tubular bridges, descend steep staircases, venture into tunnels and caves to discover the unique features of this route, its remarkable geology, and the ancient stories it holds. The journey will be thrilling.

History

With the arrival of steam railways in the nineteenth century, the original Gobbins path was born from the vision of engineer Berkeley Deane Wise to make this part of Ireland a major tourist destination. From its opening in 1902, the path quickly became popular with holidaymakers. Abandoned in the 1960s, it was eventually restored and reopened in 2015 following an investment of several million pounds sterling.

Discovering the Gobbins Cliff Path

The Gobbins Cliff Path is located roughly 30 kilometres north of Belfast on the Causeway Coastal Route, heading towards the Islandmagee peninsula. The new path runs parallel to the original trail, traces of which can still be seen on the cliff face.

Just a few kilometres from the site, the visitor centre provides all the recommendations for a pleasant and safe experience. Visitors must wear a helmet and appropriate footwear, ideally hiking boots (trainers are not suitable for this route). To prevent incidents, children under 1.20 m tall, people with heart problems, and those with reduced mobility are unable to participate in the excursion.

The Gobbins Cliff Path requires good physical fitness to descend the steep 1 km slope down to the sea, then maintain balance against the elements (wind, rain, and cold) once on the trail. From the inscription "The Gobbin" carved into the rock, the full circuit takes approximately three hours, featuring a series of climbs and descents in both directions. Between the ocean and the basalt cliff, the views are breathtaking. You progress slowly, in single file, towards the tubular bridge looming over the waves; the route features five walkways and this one is the most impressive. You then pass through the Otter Cave, which was once a smugglers' hideaway.

Birdwatching

Many bird species frequent the Gobbins cliff. Kittiwakes are the main residents, but share the site with guillemots, razorbills, and puffins – the only colony in all of Ireland. Diving from the cliff top into the water, flitting above the bridges… The birds perform an endless ballet that will surely delight wildlife enthusiasts. Occasionally, the peregrine falcon joins the dance.

There's no need to fear a bombardment of droppings – you'll be accompanied by experienced guides. As for vegetation, spleenwort ferns cling to the crevices, providing verdant tones that contrast with the black basalt year-round.

Buses serve the Islandmagee peninsula, but the service is extremely limited.

By car

From Belfast, take the coastal A2 Causeway route northbound towards the town of Larne. Past the town of Carrickfergus where you can make a brief stop at the castle, turn towards the Islandmagee peninsula, then onto Island Road Lower. Signs will then guide you to the Gobbins cliff.

Visitors can park their vehicles in the free car park before entering the visitor centre. The facility features an exhibition on the Gobbins path. You'll have access to a presentation video, recounting the path's origins and describing various safety guidelines. Each visitor receives a helmet before boarding the minibus that will drop them at the start of the route and pick them up on their return. The centre also has a café where you can warm up after your exhilarating visit.

By train

From Belfast, board a train bound for Ballycarry station. From there, you can easily walk to the Gobbins Cliff Path visitor centre located about 1.5 km away. Generally, trains depart hourly Monday to Saturday, and every two hours on Sundays.

Opening times and prices

The Gobbins visitor centre is open every day of the week, from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Tickets for the Gobbins Cliff Path must be booked in advance. You can make your reservation online on the official route website. Prices are as follows:

• Adults: £15.00
• Concessions: £12.00
• Family: £38.00