the Gobbins cliff Path
Cliffs, caves and cable bridges
This wild cliff-face walk is one of the most breathtaking in Europe. The dramatic landscape was formed over millennia by volcanic eruptions, ice sheets, and movements of tectonic plates and is now accessible by a network of bridges and tunnels over inlets and through caves. Follow paths skirting spectacular headlands, discover hidden sunken coves, and cross bridges above the crashing waves as you journey along the Gobbins Cliff Path.
a Feat of Engineering
The Gobbins Cliff Path was dreamed up by engineer Berkeley Deane Wise in the early 20th century. His vision was to allow ordinary people to explore the spectacular coastal formations safely by creating a network of tunnels and bridges spanning the cliffs.
Steel bridges were built in Belfast, brought to the coast on barges and manoeuvred to the right spots with rafts and winches, creating a coastal experience like no other.
Through the ages
Berkeley Deane Wise died in 1909, leaving his full vision unfinished. The Gobbins Path then faced closures during the wars and as the cliff face eroded further.
Fifty years later, Larne Borough Council started work to reopen the Gobbins Path which included 15 new bridges and six elevated paths following Wise’s plans where possible. The new and improved path opened in 2016 and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
planning your experiEnce
The Gobbins Cliff Path is only accessible with a guided tour, which spans around five kilometres (three miles). You’ll need suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear, as some parts of the path are steep, narrow and uneven. The whole experience lasts roughly three hours.
build yoUr uniQue journey
Get the most out of your Celtic Routes journey and build your adventure around the experiences that matter to you. Talk to us about planning your unique trip of a lifetime.
