County Antrim (named after the town of Antrim) is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. Bordering the northeast coast of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 3,046 square kilometers (1,176 sq mi), [5] and has a population of about 618,000. It is one of six traditional counties of Northern Ireland and is located within the historical province of Ulster. County Antrim has a population density of 203 people per square kilometer / 526 people per square mil. [6]

The Glens of Antrim offer isolated rugged landscapes, Giant’s Causeway is a unique landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bushmills produces whiskey, and Portrush is a popular seaside resort and nightlife area. The majority of Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, is in County Antrim, with the remainder being in County Down.

Geography

A large part of Antrim is hilly, especially in the east, where the highest heights achieved. 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 (1800 feet), Slemish 437 m (1,430 ft), Agnew’s Hill 474 m (1,560 ft) and Divis 478 m (1,570 ft). [7] the inner slope is gradual, but on the north shore area ends in abrupt and almost perpendicular declivities, and therefore has some of the finest coastal scenery in the world are, very different, with their unbroken rows of rocks, from the indented coastline in the West. The most remarkable rocks are formed by perpendicular basalt columns, which extends many miles, and most strikingly displayed in Fair Head and the famous Giant’s Causeway. From the east coast mountains rise immediately but less abrupt, and recesses are wider and deeper. On both coasts are several resorts, including Portrush (with well-known golf links), Portballintrae and Bally; on the east of Cushendun, Cushendall and Water in Red Bay, Carnlough and Glenarm, Larne on the Sea of Moyle, and Whitehead on Belfast Lough. All are somewhat exposed to easterly winds prevailing in spring. The only island size is the L-shaped Rathlin Island, off Bally, 11 km (6.8 mi) in total length of 2 km (1.2 mi) maximum width, 7 km (4.3 mi) from the coast, like basalt and limestone formation mainland. It is partly arable, and supports a small population. Island is a peninsula that separates Larne Lough from North Channel.

Dalarna in Bann and Lagan, with intermediate Lough Neagh, forms the fertile lowlands. These two rivers, both rising in County Down, is the only one of importance. The latter flows into Belfast Lough, the former sewage Lough Neagh, which is fed by several smaller streams. Fishing in Bann and Lough Neagh (especially for salmon and eel) are of value both commercially and athletes, the small town of Toome, at the outflow of the river, being in the center. Immediately below this point is Lough Beg, “Small Lake”, about 4.5 m (15 feet) lower than the Lough Neagh.

Transport

County Antrim, a number of aerospace, rail and sea.

Air

Northern Ireland’s main airport, Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove in County Antrim. Belfast International shares its tracks with the Royal Air Force base RAF Aldergrove, which otherwise has its own facilities. [Citation needed] It is the fifth largest regional air cargo center in the UK. There are regular services to the UK, Europe and North America.

The region is also served by George Best Belfast City Airport, one mil east of Belfast city center in County Down side of the city, which was renamed in 2006 to honor the footballer George Best.

Rail

See also: Category: Railway stations in County Antrim

The main TRANSLINK Northern Ireland Railways routes the major route between Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine and Londonderry, Belfast to Carrickfergus and Larne harbor förStranraer in Scotland, and Coleraine to Portrush.

Sea

Two of Northern Ireland’s main ports are in County Antrim, Larne and Belfast.

Ferries sail from Larne Harbour to destinations including Cairnryan and Troon in Scotland and Fleetwood in England.

The Port of Belfast is Northern Ireland’s premier maritime gateway, serving the Northern Ireland economy and all that in Ireland. It is an important center for trade and industry and has established itself as the focus of logistics operations for Northern Ireland. About two-thirds of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade, and a quarter of Ireland as a whole, handled at the port, which receives over 6000 ship per year. [8]

Population

Population in County Antrim was 615,384 according to the latest census data, making it the most populous county in Northern Ireland.

Irish

Statistics for 2009-2010 shows 1832 students in 12 Gaelscoileanna (Irish language primary school) and a Gaelcholáiste (Irish language secondary school). [9]

Religion

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is the largest religious denomination, followed by the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church of Ireland. County Antrim is one of two counties in Ireland, where most people are Protestant, according to the 2001 census, the other is down. The strong Presbyterian presence in the county is largely due to the county’s historical ties with lowland Scotland, which left many immigrants to Ireland. Protestants are in the majority in most of the county, while the Catholics are concentrated in west Belfast, northeast, and on the shores of Lough Neagh.

Administration

The traditional county town is Antrim. More recently, Ballymena was the seat of the provincial government. The counties in Northern Ireland ceased to be administrative units in 1973, with the reorganization of local government.

In Northern Ireland the county structure is no longer used in municipalities. Northern Ireland is divided into districts. The majority of County Antrim residents administered by the following nine areas:

  • Antrim and Newtownabbey
  • Ballymena Borough Council
  • Ballymoney Borough Council
  • Belfast City Council
  • Carrickfergus Borough Council
  • Larne Borough Council
  • Lisburn
  • Moyle

Small portions of the county is administered by the councils that are based in neighboring counties, including the village Aghagallon Craigavon Borough and the city of Portrush Coleraine Borough.

The county contains within it all the five parliamentary constituencies:

  • North Belfast
  • Belfast West
  • East Antrim
  • North Antrim
  • south Antrim
  • Parts of these constituencies is also in County Antrim
  • Belfast South
  • East Londonderry
  • Lagan Valley
  • Upper Bann

settlements

cities

(Places with official city status)

  • Belfast
  • Lisburn

big Cities

(Population of 18,000 or more and 75,000 at the 2001 census) [10]

  • Antrim
  • Mena
  • carrickfergus
  • Larne
  • Newtownabbey

Medium cities

(Population of 10,000 or more and 18,000 at the 2001 census) [10]

  • no

Small towns

(Population of 4,500 or more and 10,000 at the 2001 census) [10]

  • Bally
  • Bally
  • Bally
  • Green
  • Jordan
  • Port
  • Randalstown

Between settlements

(Population of 2250 or more and in 4500 at the 2001 census) [10]

  • Ahoghill
  • Broughshane
  • Crumlin
  • Cullybackey
  • Whitehead

villages

(Population of 1,000 or more and for 2250 at the 2001 census) [10]

  • Bushmills
  • Carnlough
  • Clough Mills
  • Cogry & Kilbride
  • Cushendall
  • Doagh
  • Dunloy
  • Glenavy
  • Kell
  • Portglenone
  • Temple

Small villages and hamlets

(Population of less than 1,000 at the 2001 census) [10]

  • Aghagallon
  • Aghalee
  • Aldergrove
  • Armoy
  • Ballintoy
  • Ballycarry
  • Bally Aston
  • Ballygalley
  • Ballynure
  • Boneybefore
  • Carnalbanagh
  • Cargan
  • Cushendun
  • Dervock
  • Glenarm
  • Glynn
  • Loughguile
  • Moss-Side
  • Newtown Crommelin
  • Parkgate
  • Portballintrae
  • Rasharkin
  • Stranocum
  • Also me
  • Cairncastle

subdivisions

baronies

Main article: Barony (Ireland)

  • Lower Antrim
  • Upper Antrim
  • Lower Belfast
  • Upper Belfast
  • carrickfergus
  • wear
  • Lower Dunluce
  • Upper Dunluce
  • Lower Glenarm
  • Upper Glenarm
  • Kilconway
  • Lower Massereene
  • Upper Massereene
  • Lower Toome
  • Upper Toome

Helge

Main article: List of civil parishes in County Antrim

townlands

Main article: List of townlands in County Antrim

History

Royal Avenue, Belfast .Photochrom out around 1890-1900.

At what point County Antrim formed is not known, but it seems that a certain neighborhood bar this name before the reign of Edward II (early 14th century), and when shiring of Ulster was made by Sir John Perrot in the 16th century, Antrim Down and already recognized divisions, in contrast to the rest of the province. The earliest known inhabitants were Mesolithic hunter-gatherers of pre-Celtic origin, [11], but the names of the townlands or subdivisions, assumed to have been made in the 13th century, all of Gaelic derivation. [Dubious – discuss]

In ancient times, Antrim inhabited by Celtic people called Darini. [12] In the early Middle Ages, the South County Antrim was part of the Kingdom Ulidia, ruled by Dál Fiatach clans Keenan and MacDonlevy / McDunlavey; North was part of Dál Riada, which extended into what is now western Scotland, the Irish Sea. Dál Riada ruled by O’Lynch clan, who were vassals of Ulidians. Besides Ulidians and Dál Riada was the Dál nAraide lower County Antrim, and Cruthin, which was pre-Gaelic Celts and probably related to the Picts in Britain. [13] between the 8th and 11th centuries Antrim exposed to the inroads of the Vikings.

In the late 12th century, Antrim part of the Earldom of Ulster, was conquered by the Anglo-Norman invaders. A revival of Gaelic power followed the campaign Edward Bruce in 1315, lämnarCarrickfergus as the only major English stronghold. In the late Middle Ages, Antrim divided into three parts: the northern Clandeboye, the Glynnes and route. The Cambro Norman MacQuillans was strong in the Route. A branch of the O’Neills Tyrone migrated to Clandeboye in the 14th century and ruled it for some time. Their family was called O’Neill Clannaboy. A gallowglass September, the Macdonnell, became the most powerful in Glynnes in the 15th century.

During the Tudor era (16th century), many adventurers from Britain tried to colonize the region; many Scots settled in Antrim around this time. [14] In 1588 Antrim coast was the scene of one of the 24 wrecks in the Spanish Armada in Ireland. The Spanish ship La Girona wrecked off Lacana Point, Giant’s Causeway in 1588 with the loss of nearly 1,300 lives. [15]

Antrim is divided into sixteen baronies. Lower Antrim, part of the lower Clandeboye, decided September O’Flynn / O’Lynn. Upper Antrim, part of Lower Clandeboye, was the home of O’Keevans. Belfast was part of Lower Clandeboye and held by O’Neill-Clannaboys. Belfast Lower, Upper Belfast and Carrickfergus was also part of the lower Clandeboye. Cary was part of Glynnes; originally ruled by O’Quinn September MacDonnell galloglasses from Scotland took power here in the late Middle Ages and some of O’Hara also migrated from Connaught. Upper and Lower Dunluce was part of the route, and was ruled by the MacQuillans. Upper and Lower Glenarmstyrdes of O’Flynn / O’Lynn September, is considered part of the Glynn. In addition to this September and it O’Quinn, both of which were native, the Scottish gallowglass SEPTS of MacKeown, MacAlister, and MacGee, there där.Kilconway was originally O’Flynn / O’Lynn territory, but was held by MacQuillans as a part of the route, and later by gallowglass September by MacNeill. Lower Massereene was part of Lower Clandeboye and ruled by O’Flynns and O’Heircs. Upper Massereene was part of Cairn Lower, controlled by O’Heircs. Upper and Lower Toome, part of the route, was O’Flynn / O’Lynn territory. Other first ruled by MacQuillans. Later, the Scottish gallowglass Macdonnell and MacAlisters invaded. The Macdonnell was a branch of the Scottish clan MacDonald; the MacAlisters traced its origins back to the Irish Colla UAIS, the oldest of the three Collas.

Iceland had, besides antiquarian remains, a reputation as a home of witchcraft, and the Irish rebellion in 1641 was the scene of an act of retaliation (for the massacre of Protestants) against the Catholic population of the Scottish Covenanter soldiers in Carrickfergus. [Citation needed]

Williamite 1689 during the war in Ireland, County Antrim was a center of Protestant opposition to the rule of the Catholic James II. During the development crisis, James’ garrison at Carrickfergus successfully repulsed an attempt by local Protestants to storm it. After the performance of the Irish army under Richard Hamilton, all County Antrim completed in Jacobite control. Later in the year a large expedition from England under Marshal Schomberglandade in Belfast Lough and successfully besieged Carrickfergus. After having captured most of the largest cities in the area, then marched south towards Dundalk.

historical monuments

Carrickfergus Castle (1177)

See also: Castle in County Antrim

Antiques in the county consists of cairns, brackets or fort, the remains of ecclesiastical and military structures and round towers.

There are three round towers: one in Antrim, one in Armoy, and one on Ram Island in Lough Neagh, only that at Antrim be perfect. There are some remnants of the church facilities påBonamargy where the Earls of Antrim is buried, Kells, Glenarm, Glynn, Muckamore Abbey and White.

The castle at Carrickfergus, dating from the Norman invasion of Ireland, is one of the best preserved medieval buildings in Ireland. However, there are still other ancient castles, somOlderfleet, Cams, Shane, Glenarm, Garron Tower, Red Bay, and Dunluce Castle, known for its dramatic location on a cliff.

The main cairns are: Colin mountain, near Lisburn; a Slieve true, close Carrickfergus; and two Colin Ward. The cromlechs most noteworthy are: a close Cairngrainey, to the northeastern part of the old road from Belfast Templepatrick, the great cromlech at Mount Druid, close Ballintoy; and one at the north end of the Island. Strongholds, forts and entrenchments are very numerous.

The natural rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim coast now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Saint Patrick

Slemish, about eight miles (13 km) east of Ballymena, is notable as the site of St Patrick’s early life. According to tradition, Saint Patrick was a slave for seven years, close to Mount Slemish until he escaped back to Britain.

Tank Top

Linen production was formerly an important industry in the county. At time Ireland produced a large amount of flax. Cotton spinning Jennie was first introduced to Belfast from industry, Robert Joy and Thomas M’Cabe 1777; and twenty three years later estimated that more than 27,000 people were employed in the industry within ten miles (16 km) in Belfast. Women used in the processing of the patterns on the muslin.

Notable residents

  • James Adair (1709-1783), born in County Antrim, explorers, traders, and historians [16]
  • Charles Clinton Beatty (1715? -1772), Born in County Antrim, noted pastor in the New Jersey area [16]
  • John Bodkin Adams (1899-1983), a general practitioner born in Randalstown and is suspected to have killed 163 patients while practicing in Eastbourne, England. [17]
  • William Arthur (1797-1875), born in Ballymena, quoted antiquitarian and Baptist pastor in the United States. [16]
  • Joey Dunlop, OBE (1952-2000), from Ballymoney, five times World Motorcycle champion.
  • Amy James Kelly (1995-), born in Antrim, known for her role as Maddie Heath in Coronation Street
  • Sir John Jamison (1776-1844), physician and naval surgeon from Carrickfergus who became an important pioneer landowners and constitutional reformers in New South Wales, Australia.
  • George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney (1737-1806), from Ballymoney, first British Ambassador to China 1772nd
  • Eva McGown (1883-1972), chorister, pioneer, and program in Alaska.
  • John O’Kane Murray (1847-1885), born in Antrim, doctors and noted author. [16]
  • James Nesbitt (1965-), from Broughshane (although he lived close to Coleraine for most of his adolescence and adulthood), remarkable actor.
  • Liam Neeson (1952-), from Ballymena, remarkable actor.
  • Tony McCoy (1974-), from Money ice cream, notable jockey.
  • Hugh Boyle (1897-1986), from Dunloy, Catholic Bishop of Port Elizabeth, 1951-1954, Bishop of Johannesburg, 1954-1976.

Flora and fauna

Documentation of seaweed in County Antrim were collected and published in 1907 by J. Adams [18] Noting that the list contains 211 species. Batter list, in 1902, [19] contained 747 species in their catalog of British marine algae.

Of freshwater algae are 10 taxa in Algiers (Charales) recorded from Antrim Chara aspera Deth. ex Willd. our. aspera; Chara globe Thuill. our. orbs, orbs Chara was. virgata (Kutz.) RD, Chara vulgaris L.. were vulgaris Chara vulgaris. was contraria (A. Braun ex Kutz.) JAMoore, Chara vulgaris. was longibracteata (. Kutz) J.Groves & Bullock-Webster, Chara vulgaris var. papillata Wallr. ex A. Braun; Nitella flexilis (L.) Ag. . was flexilis, Nitella translucency (Pers.) CA Ag. and Tolypella nidifica (O.Mull.) Leonh. our. glomerata (Desv.) RD Wood. [20]

Sports

Main article: Antrim GAA

Surname

The most common surnames in County Antrim at the time of the United Kingdom Census 1901, [21] by order of incidence:

  1. Wilson
  2. Johnston
  3. Thompson
  4. Campbell
  5. Smyth
  6. Stewart
  7. Moore
  8. Robinson
  9. Brown
  10. Bell

 

See also

  • Abbey and priories in Northern Ireland (County Antrim)
  • List of townlands in County Antrim
  • List of civil parishes in County Antrim
  • Lord Lieutenant of Antrim
  • High Sheriff of Antrim

References

  1. Jump up ^ Bonamargy Friary Guide Ministry of the Environment.
  2. Jump up ^ North-South Ministerial Council 2004 Annual Report of the Ulster Scots
  3. Jump up ^ Annual Report 2008 in Ulster-Scots Tourism Ireland.
  4. Jump up ^ The Ulster Scotjuni 2011 Charlie “Tha Poocher” Rennals.
  5. Jump up ^ “Antrim”. Encyclopedia Britannica.
  6. Jump up ^ Share the population in the County Antrim (618,108) of the area (3046 km2)
  7. Jump up ^ “mountains”. Simon Stewart. Retrieved 30 August of 2010.
  8. Jump up ^ “About Us”. Belfast Harbour.
  9. Jump up ^ Statistics from Gaelscoil national governing body, reached in January 2012
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f “Statistical Classification of settlements”. NI Neighbourhood Information Service. Taken 23 februari2009.
  11. Jump up ^ Waddell, John (1998). The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Galway: University Press Limited. pp. 11-24.
  12. Jump up ^ O’Rahilly, Thomas F. (1946). Early Irish history and mythology. Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. p.7.
  13. Jump up ^ O’Rahilly, Thomas F. (1946). Early Irish history and mythology. Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.pp. 341-352.
  14. Jump up ^ Benn, George (1877). A history of the city of Belfast. Belfast Marcus Ward & Company. pp 21 ff .., Encyclopaedia Britannica (14th edition), Antrim.
  15. Jump up ^ “La Girona” (PDF). # Annual Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck, 2005. The Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites. p. 35. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b c dvem was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Chicago: Marquis Who’s Who. 1967. Cite error: Invalid tag; name “Marquis_1607-1896” is defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). <Ref>
  17. Jump up ^ Cullen, Pamela V. “A Stranger in Blood: The Case Files on Dr John Bodkin Adams”, London, Elliott & Thompson, 2006, ISBN 1-904027-19-9
  18. Jump up ^ Adams, J. The seaweed Antrim coast. Scient. Pap. Ulster Fish. Biol. . Ass Vol.1: 29-37
  19. Jump up ^ batters, EAL A catalog of the British marine algae is the list of all species of seaweed found at the shores of the British Isles, with the locations where they are. J. Bot, Lond .. 40 (Suppl.) (2) + 107th
  20. Jump up ^ Hackney, ed P .. Stewart & Corry Flora in northeastern Ireland. Third Edition Institute of Irish Studies and Queen University of Belfast. ISBN 0 85389 446 9
  21. Jump up ^ “Antrim Genealogy resources and Parish Register – Ulster”.