Time travel The Gobbins Cliff Path, Northern Ireland

Hanging from basalt cliffs directly over the Irish Sea, the Gobbins Cliff Path in County Antrim is an Edwardian labour of love that captivated visitors.

Opened in 1902, it was part of the vision of Berkeley Deane Wise, chief engineer of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company, to use the recently expanded railway line to attract tourists to this spectacular part of the island of Ireland.

Trains connected the major cities and ports, transporting goods produced by the rapidly growing industries, so railway companies looked for ways to utilise their stock on weekends and organised excursions to scenic spots.

The Gobbins experience takes visitors along a narrow path hugging the cliff face, over bridges, amid the crashing waves of the North Channel and traversing hidden tunnels under the sea.

The Tubular Bridge’s unusual design made it the symbol of the cliff walkway.

The elevated path at the Aquarium stretches over rock pools encrusted with molluscs, sponges and red seaweed.

Meanwhile, The Tunnel is an eerie passage carved through a basalt outcrop that leads visitors down below sea level, where it’s possible to hear the boom of the sea reverberating through the walls.

On clear days, from the Gobbins clifftop, visitors may see as far as the coast of Scotland. On the walkways, there’s a chance to spot seals, dolphins and porpoises.

This unique attraction has undergone extensive restoration work over the years with a reimagined path, while some sections of the original walkway are still recognisable today.

Dubbed the most dramatic coastal walk in Europe, this arduous trek takes hikers on a journey through time and into the elements.

Tickets from £20 per adult. Book at thegobbinscliffpath.com. Ireland.com