Antrim – a maritime county in extreme NE. of Ireland, prov. Ulster; bounded N. by the Atlantic, E. by the N. Channel, SE. and S. by Belfast Lough and county Down, and W. by Lough Neagh and the river Bann, which separate it from counties Tyrone and Londonderry. Greatest length, N. and S., 56 miles; greatest breadth, E. and W., 30 m.; coast-line, 90 miles. Area, 762,080 acres (709,832 acres of land and 52,248 of water). Population 421,943, of whom about 190,746 were Presbyterians, 108,344 Roman Catholics, 98,161 Protestant Episcopalians, and 11,842 Methodists. Off the N. coast are Rathlin island and the Skerries; off the E. are the Maiden rocks with 2 lighthouses. The chief headlands are Bengore Head, Fair Head, Garron Point, and Ballygalley Head. The surface consists chiefly of a tableland of basaltic trap, broken by numerous valleys, and presenting on the N. coast the most wonderful columnar formations (the Giants’ Causeway); chief summit, Trostan, 1817 ft. The fisheries on the coast are important. Fine salt is obtained in the district of Carrickfergus. The cultivation of flax and the mfrs. of linen, cotton, and coarse woollens give employment to most of the people. The county comprises 15 baronies, 71 parishes, the greater part of the parliamentary and municipal borough of Belfast, and the towns of Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Larne, and Lisburn (part of).
– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)
Andrew Jackson & US Rangers Centre
2 Boneybefore
Carrickfergus BT38 7EQ
028 9335 8049
The Andrew Jackson Cottage highlights Carrickfergus’ strong American and Ulster-Scots connections as well as telling the story of Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the USA, whose parents emigrated to America from Carrickfergus in 1765. Located less than a mile from the town centre off the Larne Road, this single storey building has been restored to its original state.
Ballycastle Museum
59 Castle Street
Ballycastle BT54 6AS
01265 762942
www.moyle-council.org/tourism/attractions/?id=5
Ballycastle Museum houses the Irish Home Industries Workshop collection. This is a remarkable collection of the Arts and Crafts movement in Ireland from the early 1900s.
Ballymoney Museum
Ballymoney Town Hall, Townhead Street
Ballymoney BT53 6BE
028 2766 0245
The exhibition galleries include everything from Mesolithic archaeology to motorcycle road racing. On display are rare finds from the Bronze Age and Medieval period as well as exhibits associated with the political upheaval of the late 18th century and the United Irish Rebellion.
Braid, The – Mid-Antrim Museum
The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street
Ballymena BT43 5EJ
028 2565 7161
The Mid-Antrim Museum at The Braid features galleries showcasing an impressive collection of fascinating artefacts of both local and national significance, alongside an exciting range of changing exhibitions. The use of interactive media brings history to life – as visitors are enticed to step back in time in a multi-sensory experience – while adjoining displays of artefacts are complimented by dramatic images of the local landscape.
Carrickfergus Castle
Marine Highway
Carrickfergus BT38 7BG
028 9335 1273
A striking feature of the landscape from land, sea and air, Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. It represents over 800 years of military might.
Carrickfergus Museum
Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre, 11 Antrim Street
Carrickfergus BT38 7DG
028 9335 8049
Local museum interpreting the long and distinguished history of the town and surrounding area, with artefacts of treasure excavated in Carrickfergus. There are multi-media and audio-visual presentations.
Causeway School Museum
52 Causeway Road
Bushmills BT57 8SU
028 207 32142
www.northantrim.com/causewayschoolmuseum.htm
The Causeway School Museum, situated beside the Giant’s Causeway, was built in 1915 and designed by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis of Portmeirion fame. Clough Williams-Ellis was employed by the MacNaghten family who instructed that the school be built in memory of Lord Edward MacNaghten.
Dunluce Castle
87 Dunluce Road
Portrush BT57 8UY
028 2073 1938
This late-medieval and 17th-century castle is dramatically sited, on a headland dropping sheer into the sea on the north Antrim Coast. It creates an exciting image of danger and adventure backed up by its history.
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
2 Victoria Road
Larne BT40 1RN
028 2827 9482
TThis historic building, beautifully restored and renovated, with many of its original features remaining intact, houses Larne Museum with its modern and attractive displays, reflecting the distinctive history and heritage of the area. The port of Larne is the principal gateway into Northern Ireland and the strong maritime links of this east Antrim coastal community are portrayed through a variety of exhibits relating to the first roll-on, roll-off ferries, the Royal Navy and the Princess Victoria disaster.
Mid-Antrim Museums Service
Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street
Ballymena BT43 5EJ
Local Authority Partnership established in 1998 to provide enhanced museum services covering four Borough Councils within County Antrim of Ballymena, Larne, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus with the flagship museum being Mid-Antrim Museum at The Braid, Ballymena.
Museum of the Royal Irish Regiment
Headquarters, The Royal Irish Regiment, St Patrick’s Barracks
Ballymena BT43 7BH
028 2566 1383
www.royalirish.easynet.co.uk/Museum/museum.html
The Royal Irish Regiment is the last Irish Infantry Regiment. Born at midnight on 1st July 1992, the history of the regiment dates back to 1689 when the ‘Inniskillingers’ were raised at the castle in Enniskillen.