55-405: County Antrim (named after the town of Antrim , from Irish Aontroim , meaning 'lone ridge') is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland , located within the historic province of Ulster . Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh , the county covers an area of 3,086 square kilometres (1,192 sq mi) and has a population of 651,321, as of the 2021 census . County Antrim has
110-656: A motte-and-bailey castle at Antrim. Its mound (motte) still stands in Antrim Castle Gardens. The Anglo-Norman earldom collapsed in the early 14th century and Antrim became part of the Gaelic territory of Clannaboy . During the late Middle Ages, the O'Neill chiefs of Clannaboy were based at Edenduffcarrick castle (later called Shane's Castle ), two miles west of Antrim. Following the Nine Years' War (1593–1603) , Antrim came under English control. The area
165-630: A fire in July 2019. There were several incidents in and around Antrim during the Troubles including, in 1976, when six civilians (5 Protestants and one Catholic ) were shot and killed during a UVF gun attack on the Ramble Inn pub near Antrim. As with the rest of Northern Ireland , Antrim experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The nearest official Met Office weather station for which online records are available
220-538: A monastery was founded at Antrim in AD 495, thirty years after the death of Saint Patrick , to take forward his ministry, with a small settlement growing up around it. The round tower (see below), also known as "the Steeple", is all that remains. The original name of Antrim was Aontreibh , Irish for 'lone house', referring to the monks' house. This later became or was reinterpreted, as Aontroim ('lone ridge'). In
275-528: A naval engagement on Lough Neagh . The Society of United Irishmen launched a rebellion in 1798 , which began in Leinster and quickly spread to Ulster . The United Irishmen had been founded in 1791 by liberal Protestants in Belfast . Its goal was to unite Catholics and Protestants and to end British monarchical rule over Ireland and to found a sovereign, independent Irish republic. Although its membership
330-562: A popular song written in 1898 by Ethna Carbery . The largest industry in Toome is eel fishing, supplying the European market. The eel fisheries have been commemorated in a number of poems by Seamus Heaney . Within the last century, mining for diatomite has developed as extensive deposits are found in the Toome area. This mineral was used as an absorbent for gelignite and for toothpaste . The local Gaelic Athletic Association club in
385-467: A population density of 211 people per square kilometre or 546 people per square mile. It is also one of the thirty-two traditional counties of Ireland . The Glens of Antrim offer isolated rugged landscapes, the Giant's Causeway is a unique landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Bushmills produces whiskey, and Portrush is a popular seaside resort and night-life area. The majority of Belfast ,
440-477: A proper Airport rail link connection. The Junction, formerly Junction One (named after junction 1 of the nearby M22 Motorway ), is a retail park in the area with restaurants and a hotel. Supermarkets serving the town include an Asda store, Lidl outlet, Tesco Extra, and Iceland store. Castle Mall, formerly known as the Castle Centre, is located on High Street in the town. Junior schools serving
495-493: A rocky outcrop. The principal cairns are: one on Colin mountain, near Lisburn; one on Slieve True , near Carrickfergus; and two on Colinward. The cromlechs most worthy of notice are: one near Cairngrainey , to the north-east of the old road from Belfast to Templepatrick ; the large cromlech at Mount Druid, near Ballintoy ; and one at the northern extremity of Islandmagee. The mounts, forts and entrenchments are very numerous. The natural rock formations of Giant's Causeway on
550-493: Is a major centre of industry and commerce and has become established as the focus of logistics activity for Northern Ireland. Around two-thirds of Northern Ireland's seaborne trade, and a quarter of that for Ireland as a whole is handled at the port, which receives over 6,000 vessels each year. As of the 2021 census , County Antrim had a population of 651,321, making it the most populous county in Northern Ireland, and
605-639: Is a town and civil parish in County Antrim , Northern Ireland . It lies on the banks of the Six Mile Water on the north-east shore of Lough Neagh . It had a population of 25,606 people in the 2021 census . It is the county town of County Antrim and was the administrative centre of Antrim Borough Council until its 2015 merger with Newtownabbey Borough Council to form Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council . The town lies 14 miles (23 km) north-west of Belfast . According to tradition,
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#1732765882572660-452: Is at Belfast International Airport , under 4 miles to the south of the town centre. In a typical year the warmest day should reach a temperature of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) and 2.1 days should attain a temperature of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F) or above in total. The coldest night of the year averages −6.6 °C (20.1 °F) and 39 nights should register an air frost. The absolute minimum temperature of −14.2 °C (6.4 °F)
715-567: Is largely attributable to the rapid increase of the Catholic population, particularly in the city of Belfast, where they now comprise a plurality of the population, and its surrounding metropolitan area , as well as immigration from other parts of the world following the end of The Troubles and increasing rates of irreligion. In the 2021 UK census in County Antrim: Statistics for 2009–2010 show 1,832 students attending
770-490: Is near Antrim. The local Gaelic Athletic Association club is Naomh Comhghall CLG (St. Comgalls Antrim). The association football club, Chimney Corner F.C. , plays its home games in Allen Park on Castle Road. Other Antrim sports clubs include Antrim Hockey Club and Muckamore Cricket Club . Toome Toome or Toomebridge (from Irish Tuaim , meaning ' tumulus ') is a small village and townland on
825-757: Is now western Scotland over the Irish Sea. Dál Riada was ruled by the O'Lynch clan, who were vassals of the Ulidians. Besides the Ulidians and Dál Riada, there were the Dál nAraide of lower County Antrim, and the Cruthin , who were pre-Gaelic Celts and probably related to the Picts of Britain. Between the 8th and 11th centuries Antrim was exposed to the inroads of the Vikings . In the late 12th century Antrim became part of
880-742: Is part of the following districts: The county contains within it the whole of five parliamentary constituencies : Parts of the following five parliamentary constituencies are also in County Antrim: Places with official city status: (population of 18,000 or more and under 75,000 at 2001 Census) (population of 10,000 or more and under 18,000 at 2001 Census) (Population of 4,500 or more and under 10,000 at 2001 Census) (population of 2,250 or more and under 4,500 at 2001 Census) (Population of 1,000 or more and under 2,250 at 2001 Census) (population of less than 1,000 at 2001 Census) Baronies Parishes Townlands At what date
935-715: Is the fifth-largest regional air cargo centre in the UK. There are regular services to Great Britain, Europe and North America. The region is also served by George Best Belfast City Airport , a mile east of Belfast city centre on the County Down side of the city, which was renamed in 2006 in honour of footballer George Best . The main Translink Northern Ireland Railways routes are the major line between Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena , Coleraine and Derry , Belfast to Carrickfergus and Larne ,
990-612: The Battle of Antrim . Before the Act of Union , the parliamentary borough of Antrim returned two members to the Irish House of Commons by virtue of letters patent granted in 1666 by Charles II . It was disenfranchised in 1801. Steeple House, a substantial 18th-century mansion which was home to the Clark family and then became the headquarters of Antrim Borough Council, was destroyed in
1045-621: The Earldom of Ulster , conquered by Anglo-Norman invaders. A revival of Gaelic power followed the campaign of Edward Bruce in 1315, leaving Carrickfergus as the only significant English stronghold. In the late Middle Ages, Antrim was divided into three parts: northern Clandeboye, the Glynnes and the Route. The Cambro-Norman MacQuillans were powerful in the Route. A branch of the O'Neills of Tirconnell (modern Tyrone) migrated to Clandeboye in
1100-618: The North Channel . The valleys of the Bann and Lagan , with the intervening shores of Lough Neagh , form the fertile lowlands. These two rivers, both rising in County Down, are the only ones of importance. The latter flows to Belfast Lough, the former drains Lough Neagh, which is fed by a number of smaller streams. The fisheries of the Bann and of Lough Neagh (especially for salmon and eels ) are of value both commercially and to sportsmen,
1155-572: The River Bann . His body was then dissected by the British and buried under the road that went from Belfast to Derry . In 1852, when the road was being reconstructed, a nephew had McCorley's body exhumed and given a proper burial in an unmarked grave in Duneane. A memorial in honour of McCorley now stands in Toome as you enter the village from County Londonderry . His story became the subject of
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#17327658825721210-674: The Tudor era (16th century) numerous adventurers from Britain attempted to colonise the region; many Scots settled in Antrim around this time. In 1588 the Antrim coast was the scene of one of the 24 wrecks of the Spanish Armada in Ireland . The Spanish vessel La Girona was wrecked off Lacana Point, Giant's Causeway in 1588 with the loss of nearly 1,300 lives. Antrim is divided into sixteen baronies. Lower Antrim, part of Lower Clandeboye,
1265-638: The 14th century, and ruled it for a time from their castle on Lough Neagh. Their family was called Clandeboye O'Neills. Donald Balloch, who succeeded his father John Mor Macdonald, Lord of Dunyvaig and the Glens, married the daughter of Conn O'Neill of the Clandeboye O'Neills sometime after the Battle of Inverlochy. In 1433, Alexander of Islay, Lord of the Isles, joined with his cousin, Donald Balloch, Conn O'Neill of
1320-403: The Antrim coast are now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Slemish , about eight miles (13 km) east of Ballymena, is notable as being the scene of St Patrick's early life. According to tradition Saint Patrick was a slave for seven years, near the hill of Slemish, until he escaped back to Great Britain. Linen manufacturing was previously an important industry in the county. At
1375-529: The Clandeboye O'Neills, and Eoghan O'Neill, king of Tirowen (modern Tyrone) to defend against an attack on Antrim by the O'Donnells of Tirconnell. Alexander Macdonald led the attack that was successful, so that the O'Donnells became subject to the O'Neills of Tirowen. A Gallowglass sept, the MacDonnells (they were "Macdonalds" in Scotland), became the most powerful in the Glens in the 15th century. During
1430-886: The MacQuillans. Later, the Scottish Gallowglass MacDonnells and MacAlisters invaded. The MacDonnells were a branch of the Scottish Clan MacDonald; the MacAlisters traced their origin back to the Irish Colla Uais, eldest of the Three Collas. Islandmagee had, besides antiquarian remains, a notoriety as a home of witchcraft, and during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 was the scene of an act of reprisal (for
1485-675: The NI total, representing an increase of 16.9% on the census 2001 population of 20,001. Of these: Antrim railway station was opened on 11 April 1848, and closed for goods traffic in 1965. Served by passenger trains on the Belfast-Derry railway line are run by Northern Ireland Railways . Antrim's Aldergrove Airport known as Belfast International Airport is the largest airport in Northern Ireland, serving destinations in Britain, Europe and North America. However, Aldergrove does not have
1540-856: The advance of the Irish Army under Richard Hamilton , all of County Antrim was brought under Jacobite control. Later in the year a major expedition from England under Marshal Schomberg landed in Belfast Lough and successfully laid siege to Carrickfergus . Having captured most of the largest towns of the area, they then marched southwards towards Dundalk . The antiquities of the county consist of cairns , mounts or forts, remains of ecclesiastical and military structures, and round towers . There are three round towers: one at Antrim, one at Armoy , and one on Ram's Island in Lough Neagh, only that at Antrim being perfect. There are some remains of
1595-464: The area include Antrim Primary School, Ballycraigy Primary School, Greystone Primary School, St Comgall's Primary School, and St Joseph's Primary School. The secondary schools are Antrim Grammar School and Parkhall College . In addition, St Benedict's College, Randalstown attracts students from Antrim. The Greenmount campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
1650-538: The area is Erins Own, Cargin . Some of the most thrilling motor boat (hydroplane) racing ever seen in Ireland took place at Toombridge on the River Bann in 1930. Hydroplanes from Ulster, the Irish Free State and England took part in the 'Bann 100'. The main trophies was The Belfast Newsletter Challenge trophy. Hydroplanes reached speeds of 34.77 mph. Toome had long been a bottleneck to traffic on
1705-577: The capital city of Northern Ireland, is in County Antrim, with the remainder being in County Down . According to the 2001 , 2011 , and 2021 censuses it is currently one of only two counties of the Island of Ireland in which a plurality or majority of the population are from a Protestant background. The other is County Down to the south. A large portion of Antrim is hilly, especially in
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1760-512: The celebrated Giant's Causeway . From the eastern coast the hills rise instantly but less abruptly, and the indentations are wider and deeper. On both coasts there are several resort towns, including Portrush (with well-known golf links), Portballintrae and Ballycastle ; on the east Cushendun , Cushendall and Waterfoot on Red Bay, Carnlough and Glenarm , Larne on the Sea of Moyle , and Whitehead on Belfast Lough. All are somewhat exposed to
1815-443: The county of Antrim was formed is not known, but it appears that a certain district bore this name before the reign of Edward II (early 14th century), and when the shiring of Ulster was undertaken by Sir John Perrot in the 16th century, Antrim and Down were already recognised divisions, in contradistinction to the remainder of the province. The earliest known inhabitants were Mesolithic hunter-gatherers of pre- Celtic origin, but
1870-485: The early Middle Ages, the area was part of the Gaelic territory of Dál Araide , which covered much of what is now County Antrim . At the eastern edge of town is a ringfort called Rathmore ( Ráth Mór , 'great fort'), which was the royal residence of the kings of Dál Araide. In the late 12th century, the area was conquered by Anglo-Normans led by John de Courcy , becoming part of the Earldom of Ulster . They built
1925-411: The east, where the highest elevations are attained. The range runs north and south, and, following this direction, the highest points are Knocklayd 514 m (1,690 ft), Slieveanorra 508 m (1,670 ft), Trostan 550 m (1,800 ft), Slemish 437 m (1,430 ft), Agnew's Hill 474 m (1,560 ft) and Divis 478 m (1,570 ft). The inland slope is gradual, but on
1980-504: The easterly winds prevalent in spring. The only island of size is the L-shaped Rathlin Island , off Ballycastle, 11 km (6.8 mi) in total length by 2 km (1.2 mi) maximum breadth, 7 km (4.3 mi) from the coast, and of similar basaltic and limestone formation to that of the mainland. It is partially arable, and supports a small population. Islandmagee is a peninsula separating Larne Lough from
2035-512: The ecclesiastic establishments at Bonamargy , where the earls of Antrim are buried, Kells , Glenarm, Glynn , Muckamore and Whiteabbey. The castle at Carrickfergus , dating from the Norman invasion of Ireland , is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. There are, however, remains of other ancient castles, as Olderfleet , Cam's, Shane's , Glenarm, Garron Tower, Red Bay, and Dunluce Castle , notable for its dramatic location on
2090-551: The late Middle Ages and some of the O'Haras also migrated from Connaught . Upper and Lower Dunluce were part of the Route, and were ruled by the MacQuillans. Upper and Lower Glenarm was ruled by the O'Flynn/O'Lynn sept, considered part of the Glynns. In addition to that sept and that of O'Quinn, both of which were native, the Scottish Gallowglass septs of MacKeown, MacAlister, and MacGee, are found there. Kilconway
2145-908: The list contains 211 species. Batter's list, of 1902, contained 747 species in his catalogue of British marine algae. Of the freshwater algae there are 10 taxa in the Charophyta ( Charales ) recorded from County Antrim: Chara aspera var. aspera ; Chara globularis var. globularis ; Chara globularis var. virgata ( Kütz. ) R.D.; Chara vulgaris var. vulgaris ; Chara vulgaris var. contraria (A. Braun ex Kütz.) J.A.Moore; Chara vulgaris var. longibracteata (Kütz.) J. Groves & Bullock-Webster; Chara vulgaris var. papillata Wallr. ex A. Braun; Nitella flexilis var. flexilis ; Nitella translucens (Pers.) C.A. Ag. and Tolypella nidifica var. glomerata (Desv.) R.D. Wood. Antrim, County Antrim Antrim ( Irish : Aontroim [ˈeːnˠt̪ˠɾˠɪmʲ] , meaning 'lone ridge')
2200-571: The main Belfast to Derry road route. Construction of a bypass began in May 2002 and was completed in March 2004, shortening journey times and relieving congestion in the village. Toome Bridge railway station was opened on 10 November 1856, shut for passenger traffic on 28 August 1950 and shut altogether on 1 October 1959. In the 2011 census, Toome had a population of 781 (263 households); 91% were from
2255-606: The massacre of Protestants ) against the Catholic population by the Scottish Covenanter soldiery of Carrickfergus . In 1689 during the Williamite War in Ireland , County Antrim was a centre of Protestant resistance against the rule of the Catholic James II . During the developing crisis James' garrison at Carrickfergus successfully repulsed an attempt by local Protestants to storm it. After
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2310-584: The names of the townlands or subdivisions, supposed to have been made in the 13th century, are all of Celtic derivation. In ancient times, Antrim was inhabited by a Celtic people called the Darini . In the early Middle Ages, southern County Antrim was part of the Kingdom of Ulidia , ruled by the Dál Fiatach clans Keenan and MacDonlevy/McDunlavey; the north was part of Dál Riada , which stretched into what
2365-472: The northern shore the range terminates in abrupt and almost perpendicular declivities, and here, consequently, some of the finest coast scenery in the world is found, widely differing, with its unbroken lines of cliffs, from the indented coast-line of the west. The most remarkable cliffs are those formed of perpendicular basaltic columns, extending for many miles, and most strikingly displayed in Fair Head and
2420-454: The northwest corner of Lough Neagh in County Antrim , Northern Ireland. It lies in the civil parish of Duneane in the former barony of Toome Upper , and is in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area. It had a population of 781 in the 2011 census. In the 5th and/or 6th centuries, there was a woman in the parish of Dún dá Én (Duneane) known as Ercnat ingen Dáire . In 800 she
2475-511: The port for Stranraer in Scotland and Coleraine to Portrush . Two of Northern Ireland's main ports are in County Antrim, Larne and Belfast . Ferries sail from Larne Harbour to destinations including Cairnryan in Scotland. The Port of Belfast is Northern Ireland's principal maritime gateway, serving the Northern Ireland economy and increasingly that of the Republic of Ireland . It
2530-476: The second-largest county by population on the island of Ireland , second only to County Dublin . A traditionally Protestant-majority county since the Plantation of Ulster by Scottish and English settlers, the 2021 census revealed that those of a Protestant and Other Christian community background were no longer a majority in Antrim, comprising 47.0% of the population, a sharp decline from 75.2% in 1861. This
2585-480: The small town of Toome , at the outflow of the river, being the centre. Immediately below this point lies Lough Beg , the "Small Lake", about 4.5 m (15 ft) lower than Lough Neagh. County Antrim has a number of air, rail and sea links. Northern Ireland's main airport, Belfast International Airport, at Aldergrove, is in County Antrim. Belfast International shares its runways with 38 Brigade Flying Station Aldergrove , which otherwise has its own facilities. It
2640-491: The time Ireland produced a large amount of flax . Cotton-spinning by jennies was first introduced to Belfast by industrialists Robert Joy and Thomas M'Cabe in 1777; and twenty-three years later it was estimated that more than 27,000 people were employed in the industry within ten miles (16 km) of Belfast. Women were employed in the working of patterns on muslin . Records of the seaweeds of County Antrim were brought together and published in 1907 by J. Adams who notes that
2695-464: The twelve Gaelscoileanna (Irish language primary schools) and one Gaelcholáiste (Irish language secondary school). The county was administered by Antrim County Council from 1899 until the abolition of county councils in Northern Ireland in 1973. The traditional county town is Antrim . More recently, Ballymena was the seat of county government. From 1973 Northern Ireland was split into districts , which were redrawn in 2015. County Antrim
2750-467: Was mainly Catholic, many of its leaders and members in northeast Ulster were Protestant Presbyterians . On 7 June 1798, about 4,000 United Irishmen led by Henry Joy McCracken attacked the town. The rebels were on the verge of taking the town until British reinforcements arrived. Thanks to a rebel band led by James Hope , most of the United Irishmen were able to withdraw safely. This is known as
2805-404: Was originally O'Flynn/O'Lynn territory, but was held by the MacQuillans as part of the Route, and later by the gallowglass sept of MacNeill. Lower Massereene was part of Lower Clandeboye and was ruled by the O'Flynns and the O'Heircs. Upper Massereene was part of Lower Clandeboye, ruled by the O'Heircs. Upper and Lower Toome, part of the Route, were O'Flynn/O'Lynn territory. Misc was first ruled by
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#17327658825722860-477: Was remembered as a saint but her cult was forgotten. Roddy McCorley , a Presbyterian radical, was a local of the parish of Duneane . He fought as a United Irishman in the Rebellion of 1798 against British rule in Ireland but was captured. He was hanged on 28 February 1800 "near the bridge of Toome", which had been partially destroyed by rebels in 1798 to prevent the arrival of reinforcements from west of
2915-410: Was reported during the record cold spell of December 2010. In total during that month 10 nights fell to −10.0 °C (14.0 °F) or below, and the 21st recorded a daytime maximum of just −7.7 °C (18.1 °F) On census day (21 March 2021) there were 25,606 people living in Antrim. Of these: On census day (27 March 2011) there were 23,375 people living in Antrim, accounting for 1.29% of
2970-459: Was settled by the sept O'Flynn/O'Lynn. Upper Antrim, part of Lower Clandeboye, was the home of the O'Keevans. Belfast was part of Lower Clandeboye and was held by the O'Neill-Clannaboys. Lower Belfast, Upper Belfast, and Carrickfergus were also part of Lower Clandeboye. Cary was part of the Glynnes; ruled originally by the O'Quinn sept, the MacDonnell galloglasses from Scotland took power here in
3025-565: Was then colonized by English and Scottish settlers as part of the Plantation of Ulster . Hugh Clotworthy, the father of the Anglo-Irish politician John Clotworthy, 1st Viscount Massereene , supervised the building of Antrim Castle , a fortified mansion beside the old Norman motte. Hugh was knighted in 1617 and appointed High Sheriff of County Antrim. In 1642, during the Irish Confederate Wars , Clotworthy's fleet fought
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