Gobbins cliff path shut for second time due to safety fears

The Gobbins cliff path. Photo by Aaron McCracken/Harrisons

The Islandmagee tourist attraction, which was unveiled to the public last August following a £7.5m revamp, has been experiencing an increase in natural rockfall, according to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

As a result, the local authority had no choice but to temporarily shut the path on Monday as a precautionary measure to protect visitors and staff.

It is expected the popular attraction will remain closed for two-three weeks while essential maintenance is carried out on the cliff face.

A council spokesperson said: “As a coastal visitor experience exposed to the elements, the Gobbins will require ongoing routine maintenance involving scaling of the cliff face to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion on the path.

“A process of scaling has now been commenced and while this is ongoing, it would be unsafe for visitors to use the path. This will reduce significantly any natural rockfall thereafter.”

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