Gobbins Cliff Path to re-open by May Day

The local authority’s £7.5 million flagship tourism attraction was forced to close due to storm damage in January, only five months after opening.

A landslip caused by high levels of rainfall caused severe damage to parts of the access path, forcing the council to install a new drainage system and repair the main access pathways.

The council had originally hoped to reopen the attraction before the Easter holidays, but is now aiming to have the path up and running again by Sunday May 1.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor Billy Ashe commented: “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to confirm that The Gobbins cliff path will be open in time for May Day.

“We have been working hard to get the path open as quickly as possible and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Mid and East Antrim for the exhilarating experience The Gobbins has to offer as Northern Ireland’s newest major tourist attraction.”

The council statement goes on to describe the conditions behind the closure as “unforeseeable.”

“Whilst the council recognises that the closure may have caused disappointment, it would like to reiterate that an independent report commissioned has confirmed that the resultant landslip and damage to the access paths, was caused by the severe weather conditions was unforeseeable,” it states.

“The attraction is of great importance to the local tourism sector and is a long-term investment project.

“The council is confident The Gobbins will continue to deliver economic benefits to the local area and is looking forward to the summer season.”

The statement advises that bookings for April 30 onwards will commence with immediate effect via the phone line; with the new online booking system opening later this week. It adds that pre-booking for tours is essential.