Association of Leading Visitor Attractions

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21 Feb 2020

Northern Ireland's The Gobbins in line for £11m development

Plans for an £11m (US$14.2m, €13m) extension to The Gobbins, a famous cliff-face path at Islandmagee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, have made significant progress, according to the local borough council.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is preparing an outline business case for the project – called The Gobbins Phase II – which will see the cliff and coastal path extended to take in more geological features, with new structures crossing gullies and crevices, making it a more adventurous experience for tourists.

The tour was first opened in 1902, along the basalt cliffs of the Causeway Coast. Visitors walk across suspension bridges, through tunnels and along pathways, allowing them to get close to the geology and biodiversity of the area.

"We want to keep tourists here longer and, by investing in this Gobbins Phase II project, we will create a world-class, authentic visitor attraction that will help us to grow both domestic and international visitor numbers to the borough," said councillor Gregg McKeen.

The outline business case is set to go forward to the council's treasury this summer, and McKeen said the project would provide a long-term boost to tourism and the wider economy in Mid and East Antrim.

It's part of a more comprehensive Belfast City Region Deal, which also incorporates funding for the regeneration of Carrickfergus and the creation of an advanced manufacturing innovation and inspiration hub in Ballymena.