City Deal

Mid and East Antrim is stepping into a new chapter, one defined by bold ambition, world‑class visitor experiences, and a renewed sense of place. Through the Belfast Region City Deal, major investment is transforming two of the area’s most iconic destinations: the much-storied town of Carrickfergus and the dramatic Gobbins coastline.

Both sit just a short drive or train journey from Belfast, offering visitors effortless access to world‑class heritage and breathtaking coastal adventure less than 30 minutes from the city.

These projects showcase everything that makes this region exceptional - its rich heritage, striking landscapes, and remarkable people.

Together, these standout attractions will elevate the southern end of the Causeway Coastal Route and secure its place on the global tourism map.

CARRICKFERGUS REGENERATION PROJECT

Carrickfergus is a small-town with a big history. It rewards treasure seekers with many hidden gems to explore.                        

The purpose of the City Deal project is to regenerate, reposition, and rebrand the historic town - celebrating its incredible past and shaping an inspiring future. This heritage-led transformation will place Carrickfergus firmly on the map as an authentic tourism hub and the must-visit destination on the internationally renowned Causeway Coastal Route.

This project will drive economic growth, attract sustainable tourism, and enhance the quality of life for local communities, ensuring lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The Carrickfergus Regeneration Project is a multifaceted transformation project encompassing:

• State-of-the-art Visitor Centre
• Dynamic new Arts & Cultural Venue
• A Town Wall walk bringing history to life
• Extensive refurbishment and animation of Carrickfergus Castle
• High-quality targeted public realm improvements

Collectively, these elements will celebrate Carrickfergus’s rich heritage while boosting tourism, revitalising the town centre, and creating lasting economic and social benefits for the community.

VISION

A vibrant, connected Carrickfergus - where an incredible past powers an inspiring future. Carrickfergus will be a dynamic, must-visit destination on the Causeway Coastal Route. A town reborn through its heritage - where history, culture, and community thrive together in a revitalised, accessible, and economically resilient place.

MISSION

To regenerate, reposition, and rebrand Carrickfergus through a bold heritage-led transformation - celebrating its unique story, unlocking its potential, and delivering a high-quality visitor and community experience. Through strategic investment in worldclass attractions, public realm, and cultural infrastructure, we aim to drive tourism, strengthen the local economy, and enrich the lives of residents.

GOALS

Heritage Activation

• Restore and animate Carrickfergus Castle, Town Walls, and key heritage sites to bring the town’s rich story to life.

Tourism Development

• Establish Carrickfergus as the must-see destination on the Causeway Coastal Route, supported by a state-of-the-art Visitor Centre and a compelling tourism offering.

Cultural Enrichment

• Deliver a vibrant new Arts & Cultural Venue to support creativity, community events, and cultural programming.

Public Realm & Connectivity

• Implement targeted, high-quality improvements to public spaces, access routes, and wayfinding to enhance the visitor experience and local quality of life.

Economic & Community Impact

• Boost the local economy by increasing footfall, supporting local businesses, and creating employment opportunities that deliver long-term social and economic benefits for the community.

GOBBINS PHASE II

The Gobbins was originally conceived by a 19th century engineering genius. Berkeley Deane Wise saw how Antrim’s dramatic coastline, the new tourism industry and the growing railway system could combine to create a unique attraction. This dreamlike landscape created through immense geological forces, carved by the elements and teeming with wildlife, has inspired visitors for over a century. 

Following its reopening in 2015, The Gobbins is now Europe’s Most Dramatic Coastal Walk, attracting visitors from across the world to enjoy the unique experience.

Plans are now underway to expand the Gobbins offering with the addition of a new Horizon Walk along the cliff path to complement the existing Coastal Passage below.

This new accessible offering will allow visitors to experience the stunning landscape of The Gobbins from above – a bird’s eye view, with a range of dramatic new features, which can be enjoyed all year round:

• An exploration hub, featuring a fully immersive digital experience. 
• ‘Over the Edge’, a daring staircase descent from the clifftop to a viewing platform suspended 40m above the sea with stunning views of the coastal passage below
• The Horizon Trail, a self-guided walk enhanced by technology
• The Goban Bridge, a 70m long accessible bridge, stretched between the dramatic headlands

VISION

To build upon one of the most exhilarating coastal adventures in Europe, a world‑class attraction where visitors can stand on the edge of the land, suspended between sea and sky, and experience the raw power and beauty of the Antrim coastline like never before.

The Gobbins - Horizon Walk will be the unmissable highlight at the southern gateway of the Causeway Coastal Route: a fusion of nature, engineering and immersive storytelling that ignites curiosity, inspires awe, and attracts visitors from across the world.

MISSION

To leverage the global success of The Gobbins - Coastal Passage, by delivering a transformational Phase II experience. An ambitious, high‑quality, heritage‑led attraction that expands capacity, deepens interpretation, and creates a compelling year‑round reason to visit.

GOALS

Transformational Visitor Experience

• Deliver The Gobbins - Horizon Walk, a world‑class visitor experience combining technology, engineering excellence and breathtaking natural landscapes.
• Create a year‑round compelling tourism proposition.

Sustainable Economic Impact

• Support the Belfast Region City Deal by generating new and better jobs, inclusive economic growth, and wider regional benefit.

Year-Round Tourism Proposition

• Provide a mix of self‑guided and guided experiences to extend the season and increase mid‑week and off‑peak visitation.
• Achieve NI top 10 attraction status through increased capacity, improved flow, and broader market appeal.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

• Protect and celebrate the unique coastline while managing visitor impact responsibly.
• Foster community involvement through volunteer and custodianship opportunities.
• Create an accessible attraction that will appeal to a broad range of visitors, encouraging multi‑generational experiences.

Community and Regional Benefit

• Strengthen local businesses, supply chains, and hospitality through increased footfall and year‑round visitation.
• Promote local pride and stewardship of one of the island’s most spectacular natural and engineered wonders.

Together, these City Deal projects mark a once in a generation opportunity, to reshape the visitor economy and unlock long‑term benefits for local communities.

Carrickfergus will emerge as a vibrant heritage destination, while The Gobbins will offer an unforgettable coastal adventure found nowhere else on the island.

This is investment with purpose - driving growth, strengthening identity, and creating places that residents are proud of and visitors can’t wait to explore. Mid and East Antrim is ready to welcome the world, with experiences that are authentic, ambitious, and built to last.

If you would like to hear more about these exciting projects, please get in touch by emailing tourism@midandeastantrim.gov.uk