A historic pathway in Islandmagee, Northern Ireland (NI), which was once as well known as the Giant’s Causeway has reopened, following major government and European investment into Gobbins Pathway and its visitor facilities.
Tourism Northern Ireland writes:
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, has visited the newly refurbished The Gobbins Cliff Path preview event at Islandmagee today.
The project is part-financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
Speaking during his visit the Minister said: ‘The Gobbins Cliff Path was built along the base of the Gobbins Cliff in Islandmagee in 1902 and in its heyday attracted more visitors than the Giant’s Causeway. I am certain the restoration of the historic coastal path and the development of the new visitor centre will help put this stunning coastline back on the tourist map. The newly developed pathway has the potential to attract upwards of 70,000 visitors annually to East Antrim becoming an internationally recognised visitor attraction and a significant contributor to the success of the Causeway Coastal Route.
‘I am pleased my Department was able to approve INTERREG IVA financial assistance in excess of £3.5million towards the refurbishment of this historic cliff path. With the creation of up to 21 full and part time jobs, this project represents a significant boost to the local economy, the tourism industry here in Larne, Islandmagee and the wider East Antrim Area.
View an Ulster TV article on the pathway, including historic images
View Discover Northern Ireland’s tourism site on the pathway
