Here's when The Gobbins Cliff Path will reopen for the new season
Popular coastal walk set to bring new visitors from all over the world to Mid and East Antrim
The waves are waiting as one of Northern Ireland’s most exhilarating tourist attractions opens for another busy season.
The Gobbins on Islandmagee is a spectacular coastal walk situated along the Causeway Coastal Route, voted the number one region in the world to visit by Lonely Planet.
The outdoor coastal adventure experience pulled in almost 30 thousand visitors from countries all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, America, China and India last year.
Online booking is now open for 2019 tours starting on 15 February with slots available every half hour.
Weaving its way along the basalt cliffs of the famous Causeway Coast, you will go across a suspension bridge, tunnels and along pathways in an up close and personal experience of the spectacular coastline.
As they travel along the path, visitors have the chance to discover the area’s varied geology, marvel at the engineering triumphs and even spot puffins, dolphins and seals.
Get ready to become enchanted with tales of smugglers, young lovers and even witches as the 2.5 hour guided tour brings you on a journey to discover the area’s history whilst your feet grip onto the rugged coastline as you taste the sea air.
Alister Bell, Operations and Development Manager of The Gobbins said: “This walk continues to wow visitors from home and abroad with its winding route along basalt steps, over the iconic tubular bridge, and even under the sea in places. Its towering viewing platform offers panoramic views of the area’s stunning coastline.
“The unique appeal of The Gobbins is the exposure to nature and the elements in all their glory. The path was originally carved out of the cliff by the Victorians more than a century ago and visitors are walking in their footsteps as they make their way along the path just feet away from crashing waves. It is a spectacular place to be.”
The Mayor, Cllr Lindsay Millar added: “The ongoing success of The Gobbins and Mid and East Antrim’s other key tourism sites has an invaluable knock-on effect for the local economy, boosting investment and creating jobs.
“With tourism spend approaching the £1billion milestone in Northern Ireland, Mid and East Antrim is ideally positioned to capitalise on the region’s blossoming tourism industry.
“This borough has huge tourism potential and Council continues to work in partnership with local communities and the tourism industry through the tourism clusters, ensuring that we all have the skills and support required to grow and maximise our tourism offering in the borough and across Northern Ireland.”
The 1.2 mile-long cliff walk is one of the most ambitious engineering projects ever seen in Northern Ireland and was originally built in the early 20th century.
For more information, or to book tickets, see www.thegobbinscliffpath.co.uk