The Gobbins Cliff Path, a popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, has had a tumultuous history of closures in the past decade despite receiving millions for repairs and maintenance. Since its reopening in 2015, the path has been shut for a combined 1,624 days due to rockfalls, storm damage, planned works, and inspections. This has raised concerns about the reliability of the attraction, with one tour company opting not to include it in their itineraries.
Constructed in 1902 by engineer Berkeley Deane Wise, the Gobbins Cliff Path consists of a series of bridges, paths, and tunnels along the coast of Islandmagee, County Antrim. A significant £7.5 million investment in 2015 helped restore the path to its former glory after years of neglect. However, ongoing closures have left both tourists and locals disappointed, questioning the economic viability of the site.
Residents like Stephen Weir and Stephen Henry, who had hoped to visit the path for special occasions, expressed frustration at the frequent closures and lack of accessibility. Despite plans for a major revamp that includes new features like a 60m-high staircase and a rope bridge, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of the Gobbins. The local council hopes that once completed, the upgrades will attract more visitors and drive growth in the local economy, but only time will tell if the investment pays off
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