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Gobbins Cliff Path

1.24 miles (2 km)

Open Streetmap The Gobbins Cliff Path is considered one of the most dramatic coastal walks in Europe. The path is located on the rugged coastline at Islandmagee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
It's a photogenic place with wonderful geological rock formations and lots of sea birds to look out for on the path. Keep your eyes peeled for Guillemots and Kittiwakes as you make your way along the path.
On the path there's a series of bridges and a 22-metre-long (72 ft) tunnel, including a section which runs below sea-level. There's also a viewing platform with excellent views over Belfast Lough.

Postcode

BT40 3SL - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Gobbins Cliff Path Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There is a visitor centre near the path where you'll find exhibitions, a car park, information and a cafe for refreshment.

Dog Walking

The path is not suitable for dog walking.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the south you can visit the Blackhead Lighthouse where there's another fine coastal path to try. The path was the precursor to the Gobbin's Path and sits in a fine spot at the northern end of Belfast Lough where it opens out into the North Channel that separates Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Head towards Belfast and you can continue your walking in Redburn Country Park where there are fine views to Belfast Lough, Belfast Harbour, George Best City Airport, Belfast Castle and Cave Hill Country Park.
To the north west you can enjoy a climb to the popular Slemish Mountain. There's excellent views over the area from the summit of this viewpoint near Broughshane.
To the south west there's the Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus. Here you'll find miles of good woodland trails and a number of attractive reservoirs.
Also nearby is the Glenoe Waterfall. The picturesque falls are located in the pretty village of Glenoe in County Antrim. It's a fine place for a walk with pleasant trails taking you through peaceful woodland to the 30ft high waterfall.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Belfast Walks page.

Photos

The Gobbins - geograph.org.uk - 1365366

This is a view of the cliffs from the water as seen from the Bangor Boat which runs regular trips to the cliffs in June each year, primarily to view the many birds that use the area as a nesting site. Birds seen include Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Shags and Kittiwakes. Note that this picture was taken during on a very misty evening and visibility is normally much better.

Bridge at The Gobbins - Islandmagee, Northern Ireland, UK - August 14, 2017

Bridge at the site. The path was a popular tourist destination in the first half of the twentieth century. This had been constructed by railway magnate Dean Berkeley Wise, attracting people to take the train from Belfast to Whitehead, opening in 1902. The path remained a hit with tourists until the outbreak of the Second World War forced its closure. It reopened for a time after the war but closed again in 1962. From 2011-2015 Larne Borough Council led a project to reopen The Gobbins. A series of new bridges and galleries were constructed and installed during 2014–15.  From 2011-2015 Larne Borough Council led a project to reopen The Gobbins. The path was then accessible to visitors from August 2015 by guided tour and re-opened fully on 30 June 2017.

Steps - The Gobbins - Islandmagee, Northern Ireland, UK - August 14, 2017

Steps

Guillemots at The Gobbins - geograph.org.uk - 1901134

Guillemots at The Gobbins

The Gobbins - Islandmagee, Northern Ireland, UK - August 14, 2017 - 04

Staircase view

Nesting Kittiwakes at The Gobbins - geograph.org.uk - 1365370

Nesting Kittiwakes

Cliffs, The Gobbins - geograph.org.uk - 1901144

Cliffs

Observation Deck - The Gobbins - Islandmagee, Northern Ireland, UK - August 14, 2017

Observation Deck

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Gobbins Cliff Path.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Gobbins Cliff Path.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)