Causeway Coastal Route Road Trip - Day 3

“On the very edge of the Irish Sea lies The Gobbins cliff path, one of the ‘best kept secrets’ along NI’s Causeway Coastal Route and just 20 miles north of Belfast on the Islandmagee peninsula.

This dramatic and challenging two-mile-long cliff-face path combines spectacular tubular and suspension bridges, caves, steps, and tunnels carved through the rock. Follow the curves of curious geology to immerse yourself in this exhilarating journey and discover the ancient stories and fascinating heritage of this unique attraction. 

Originally built in 1902, The Gobbins cliff path was once more popular than the Giant’s Causeway. Today this phenomenal feat of engineering has been re-imagined for the 21st century to bring new generations ever closer to the coast…

Today visitors can, once again, embark on an exciting adventure and experience the feeling of 'walking on water'. Navigate the edge of the North Coast, watch the water rise up to greet you and immerse yourself in breathtakingly beautiful views as you enjoy unparalleled access to this rugged seascape…” www.inyourpocket.com

A damp, drizzly start to the day for our final walk around Cushendun, but by the time we’d arrived at Glenariff, (the Queen of the nine Antrim Glens) the clouds had lifted and we had a beautiful warm, sunny afternoon. We were there to follow the Forest Park’s spectacular Waterfall Trail, a two mile walk with stairways and pathways cut into the near vertical sides of the gorge and boardwalks on stilts in the river (extra photo 1).

Our three days in Northern Ireland were packed full of wonderful sights and beautiful scenery, but we’d saved the best experience for last! The Gobbins cliff path!! It took a lot of persuading to get me to say yes to this, but I’m so glad I did. Even though I don’t like heights or being near water, the whole experience was amazing and I’d thoroughly recommend it. If we’d been there at high tide or on a stormy day, I may have felt differently as the sea can literally be lapping at your feet but on a beautiful sunny afternoon, and at low tide it was wonderful to walk and scramble our way along, below cliffs packed full of noisy nesting Kittiwakes (main photo + extra photos 2-5).

Making our way back from the cliff path, the golden evening sunlight was just gorgeous, illuminating the coastline and creating the perfect ending to our visit to this beautiful part of Northern Ireland… (extra photos 6 and 7)


(Sorry for so many extras again, but I wanted to try and show the full Gobblins experience! It has to be seen to be believed!!)