County Antrim

County Antrim
Island_of_Ireland_location_map.svg: *Ireland_location_map.svg: NordNordWest Nort · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	County Antrim
Country	Northern Ireland
Province	Ulster
Area total km2	3046
Population total	618108
Population density km2	203

County Antrim is a Northern Irish county located in the Ulster province, bordered by County Londonderry to the west, County Down to the south, and the Irish Sea to the east and north. The county is home to the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, as well as the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. The county is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Mourne Mountains and the Antrim Hills offering scenic views and outdoor activities. The county's largest city is Belfast, which is also the capital of Northern Ireland and home to the Belfast City Hall, the Ulster Museum, and the Queen's University Belfast.

Geography

The geography of the county is diverse, with the Antrim Hills and the Mourne Mountains offering scenic views and outdoor activities, such as hiking and rock climbing. The county is also home to several lakes, including Lough Neagh, which is the largest lake in the British Isles and a popular spot for boating and fishing. The River Bann flows through the county and into Lough Neagh, while the River Lagan forms part of the border with County Down. The county's coastline is characterized by rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and scenic beaches, such as the Cushendun Beach and the Whitepark Bay. The Glenarm Castle and the Dunluce Castle are two of the many historic sites located in the county, with the latter being the former seat of the Earl of Antrim.

History

The history of the county dates back to the Mesolithic era, with evidence of human habitation found in the form of ancient monuments, such as the Giant's Ring and the Tullygarron Dolmen. The county was later inhabited by the Celts, who established the Kingdom of Dál Riata in the area. The county was also an important center for the Viking raids and settlements, with the Viking invasion of Ireland having a significant impact on the county's history. The Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century led to the establishment of the Lordship of Ireland, with the county becoming part of the Earldom of Ulster. The county was also home to several notable figures, including Saint Patrick, who is said to have landed at the Slemish Mountain in the county, and C.S. Lewis, who was born in Belfast and drew inspiration from the county's landscapes.

Demographics

The demographics of the county are diverse, with a population of over 600,000 people, according to the 2011 census. The county is home to several urban areas, including Belfast, Lisburn, and Ballymena, as well as several rural areas, such as the Antrim Hills and the Mourne Mountains. The county has a strong sense of community, with many residents identifying as Protestant or Catholic, and a smaller number identifying as Other Christian or Non-Christian. The county is also home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Chinese community in Northern Ireland and the Indian community in Northern Ireland. The county has a number of notable residents, including David Trimble, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998, and Van Morrison, who was born in Belfast and is known for his music and poetry.

Economy

The economy of the county is diverse, with a strong focus on Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Tourism. The county is home to several major industries, including Aerospace engineering, Automotive manufacturing, and Textile manufacturing. The county is also a major center for Financial services, with several major banks, including the Bank of Ireland and the Ulster Bank, having headquarters in Belfast. The county's natural beauty and rich history make it a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as the Giant's Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Belfast City Hall drawing millions of visitors each year. The county is also home to several major events, including the Belfast International Arts Festival and the Belfast Film Festival.

Places_of_Interest

The county is home to several places of interest, including the Giant's Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Dunluce Castle. The county is also home to several museums, including the Ulster Museum and the Belfast Museum and Art Gallery. The county's natural beauty makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking and rock climbing, with the Mourne Mountains and the Antrim Hills offering scenic views and challenging trails. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Glenarm Castle and the Bonamargy Friary. The county's vibrant culture is reflected in its many festivals and events, including the Belfast International Arts Festival and the Féile an Phobail.

Transportation

The county has a well-developed transportation network, with several major roads, including the M1 motorway and the M2 motorway, connecting the county to the rest of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The county is also home to several airports, including the Belfast International Airport and the George Best Belfast City Airport, which offer flights to destinations across the United Kingdom and Europe. The county's rail network is operated by Translink, with several major stations, including Belfast Central railway station and Lisburn railway station, offering services to destinations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The county is also home to several major ports, including the Port of Belfast and the Larne Harbour, which offer ferry services to destinations across the Irish Sea. The county's transportation network is also served by several major bus operators, including Translink and Ulsterbus, which offer services to destinations across the county and beyond. Category:Counties of Northern Ireland