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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
Northern Ireland is filled with amazing attractions, but one unique and considered one of Europe’s most dramatic cliff walks is ‘The Gobbins’. It is a spectacular cliff path along the Causeway Coastal Route in Islandmagee, County Antrim.
The Gobbins recently reopened to visitors and will stay open until 3 November 2019. This popular attraction will leave you awe-inspired. During a two-hour guided tour, you’ll be treated to nature at its finest.
The Gobbins experience takes you along a striking cliff face, across breathtaking bridges and into hidden caves along the North Channel.
Besides the incredible views you’ll encounter at The Gobbins, the attraction also has a fascinating story worth exploring. So let’s get started!
History of the Gobbins
The mastermind behind the creation of The Gobbins is visionary Irish railway engineer Berkeley Dean Wise. Berkeley was born in New Ross, Wexford, and studied Civil Engineering at Trinity College in Dublin. He studied under James Price, Chief Engineer at the Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland.
At 22, the talented engineer was already developing tunnels and bridges along the coast at Bray Head, considered one of the most challenging sections in Ireland. Berkeley Dean Wise then became the Chief Engineer of the Belfast and County Down Railway.
He was designing railway lines, and Wise designed numerous other projects from stations, promenades, and hotels.
During this time and many other experiences in his career, Wise developed the skills needed to create one of his biggest achievements. This was, of course, the Gobbins cliff path 25 years later.
Creation of a Masterpiece
The Gobbin Path was considered one of his engineering masterpieces due to its unique and challenging aspects, which made him known throughout Europe. At the time, he was still working with the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company.
The company was highly interested in Northern Irish tourism, thanks to the work of Edward John Cotton, one of the youngest railway managers in Ireland and Britain.
Cotton helped to create train excursions for every occasion and made 3rd-class tickets available from all stations. This made travel and day trips possible for thousands of people in Northern Ireland.
Wise developed the tourism endeavours started by Cotton by looking into creating exciting and innovative paid attractions. This was to encourage people to use the railway company’s services.
Berkeley Dean Wise Innovation
One year later, he designed and opened various paths and bridges at the captivating Glenaiff Glen. Shortly after, he added more attractions at the site, including a tearoom and shelter where visitors could view the impressive waterfall.
His next project involved transforming the small town of Whitehead into a lovely holiday resort. Wise was also behind the path from Whitehead to the Blackhead Lighthouse. In 1892, he created a variety of bridges and tunnels to reach the lighthouse.
Of course, he had ideas to create a more innovative path, which is when The Gobbins was born.
In 1902, Wise created a map that followed the cliffs for two miles. The map offered views of the coast before reaching the cliff section, where people could enjoy a variety of unique tunnels, bridges, and caves.
The cliff aspect became very famous and is accessible today via guided tours. Even today, it is considered one of the most extraordinary engineering achievements.
Construction
The first part of the Gobbins officially opened to the public in August 1902. The first visitors to experience the cliff path was the British Association for the Advancement of Science.
Its initial opening stopped at the Seven Sisters Caves, but Wise’s map of the project showed he had plans to extend the cliff path further. In 1905, he was funded to extend The Gobbins as initially envisioned.
The Gobbins became a bigger tourist attraction than the Giants Causeway, attracting visitors from around the Country. Unfortunately, in 1954, the Cliff Path had to close due to the depression of the 1930s. For over 100 years, no new bridges were built at The Gobbins.
The government and individuals tried to restore the path to its original glory, but nothing succeeded. Filmmaker John H. Lennon came pretty close, but the lack of funds and the decline in tourism numbers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles prevented this from moving forward.
Many walkers and climbers explored the remains of the path even though they were considered dangerous. Throughout the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, many people had to be rescued.
The Gobbins Today
After years of work, in 2011, the Larne Borough Council announced that it would reopen The Gobbins. The renovation included 15 new bridges and six gallery structures.
The famous Tubular Bridge, which weighed over 5.4 tonnes, was part of the new design. Visitors can also enjoy a two-mile-long tunnel that runs below sea level.
Improvements were also made to Wise’s original clifftop path, which enabled visitors to experience amazing views as far as Scotland. The Gobbins renovation project cost around 7.5 million pounds and was reborn in 2015.
The Gobbins Visitor Centre
Your unforgettable experience at the Gobbins begins at its visitor centre, where you’ll meet your tour guide. The centre hosts a brilliant interactive exhibition that explores the interesting history of the Gobbins cliff path while also giving you an insight into its flora and fauna and how the new and improved path was brought to life.
The Gobbins has become one of Northern Ireland’s best-kept hidden gems, and you can now truly experience its authenticity for yourself.
Gobbins Biodiversity
The Gobbins have become a magnet for many beautiful bird species along with its high cliffs and hidden ledges. This is one reason it’s considered an Area of particular scientific interest.
It’s home to Northern Ireland’s only colony of Puffins, where they come to lay their eggs. During the cliff path’s rebirth, careful consideration was given to ensuring it wouldn’t impact the local birdlife.
Visitors can also find a variety of plants, ferns, and grasses among the caves, rocks, and ledges.
The Gobbins is also a landscape of outstanding historical, aesthetic, and cultural value. It’s one of the most breathtakingly beautiful experiences in Northern Ireland.
It’s one of those rare gems that allows you to escape from everyday life and fully immerse yourself in nature at its best. You might even catch some beautiful dolphins swimming near its coastline. So always keep an eye out.
Things to Know Before Visiting The Gobbins:
- The Gobbins is a top-rated attraction; book online in advance to avoid disappointment. This is one experience you don’t want to miss! Tours will run from Monday, 4 March, seven days a week until Sunday, 3 November. Guided tours of the Gobbins run every 30 minutes.
- You could be refused entry to the attraction if you don’t have appropriate footwear, such as walking or hiking boots, so come prepared. You can’t wear trainers during the guided tour.
- Although the path isn’t too tricky, you must have a moderate fitness level to walk the Gobbins. The Gobbins experience is also not suitable for anyone under four feet tall.
- The guided tour will include a short bus ride and a steep descent with over 100 steps before you reach the path entrance. The tour and experience will last 2.5 to 3 hours.
Have you ever visited the Gobbins in Northern Ireland? If so, what did you think of the attraction? Let us know below.
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