Hikes & Trails: A two-mile cliff face walk at the Gobbins Coastal Path

A spectacular cylindrical bridge, a tunnel and an elevated viewing point all give access to an edgy, unforgettable seascape and this walk should be high on a list of must-do attractions in Northern Ireland

Hikes & Trails: The Gobbins coastal path features a spectacular viewing point and during nesting season the cliffs are alive with wheeling, shrieking puffins, guillemots, and razorbills

As the first form of mass transport, railways brought great social change in the 19th century. Able to travel further and more quickly, ordinary people did this in great numbers. Industrial workers now enjoyed a half-day on Saturday and a day-off on Sunday, so trips by rail became particularly popular.

Attractions served by a railway could now enjoy tidal tourism, while other areas, not so lucky, lost out. Located at a railhead, towns like Tramore, Ballybunion and Bundoran morphed into busy seaside destinations as did Portrush, County Antrim and Newcastle, County Down.