Whistling wind, crashing waves and the cries of gulls serve as the soundtrack to the new Gobbins cliff path in Islandmagee, but the sights are a lot more difficult to put into words. We managed to get a sneak peak at the brand new Gobbins cliff path in Islandmagee before it opens to the public next week and it certainly did not disappoint.
Being an Islandmagee local, I grew up with distant memories of the path – I remember seeing photos and hearing tales of the East Coast’s greatest tourist attraction and now I finally got to see the real thing!
The pathway officially opens on the 19th August, so this really was a sneak peak at everything before it gets up and running properly, but the Gobbins Centre looks great with its light and airy spaces, gift shop, cafe and educational area all looking like the real deal.
You can book tickets for the walk online (highly recommended) or just chance it and turn up at the Gobbins visitor centre in Islandmagee on the day (which for those who don’t know is only 40 minutes from Belfast, located between Carrickfergus and Larne).
Once you’ve had a wee look around the gift shop, a browse of the educational centre or a cup of tea in the cafe, you’ll be called into the briefing room where you’ll helmet up (don’t worry, they have kids ones too for those with tiny heads) and watch a short health and safety video before meeting your guide. The video is a bit tongue in cheek which fits in perfectly with the local’s sense of humour and helps to make the whole experience a bit more fun.
Next, you board a bus and get taken to the drop off point, and from there the adventure begins! Just a word of warning: please ensure that you wear either hiking boots, or good thick soled trainers as having the correct footwear is a BIG DEAL and you could be refused entry if your footwear isn’t suitable.
With a knowledgable guide and nothing but a few railings separating you from the unpredictable Irish sea, the next two hours is an exhilarating experience for all. After a steep descent you’ll pass through the famous Wise’s Eye and go on to wind your way around the cliffside – at times only a few metres from the swirling sea below.
The tour guide’s style is chatty and casual, which is perfect as this walk is all about the scenery. With loads of insider knowledge and local tales to be told you really get a feel of the history of the path and even learn a bit about the flowers, plants, birds and wildlife that surround you. There are also plenty of photo opportunities as you cross the various bridges, pass smuggler’s caves, and even a journey through the cliff and right out the other side.
After a lot of health and safety talk and warnings about the vigorous nature of this walk, it’s really not that strenuous, it’s a bit up and down and uneven under foot at times, but the cliffside walk itself is really very pleasant and there wasn’t a moment when I had to slow down or take a break (although the guides are more than willing if you do need a rest). That being said, the walk back up from the Gobbins itself to the bus was the hardest part of the journey as it’s a bit steep, but there’s plenty of stories, tall tales, and even a fairy tree to keep you occupied along the way.
Overall the Gobbins cliff path is unlike any other tourist attraction I’ve ever seen – it’s thrilling, interesting and gives you a true slice of Northern Ireland from the views to the sheer passion involved in actually getting the paths restored to their former glory. If you’ve got a few hours to spare and want to experience something a bit different I’d definitely recommend this as an attraction for tourists and locals alike. Oh, and if you’re in the area sure why not call in to PastieBap HQ and we’ll make you a cuppa.
Check out our full gallery of Gobbins photographs here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.