County Antrim

County Antrim

General Information
Name	County Antrim
Native Name	Contae Aontroma
Other Names
Settlement Type
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates
Map
Population
Total	618,108
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	3046 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

County Antrim (Irish: Contae Aontroma ) is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland and one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located in the northeast of the island of Ireland and is part of the historic province of Ulster.

Geography

County Antrim is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Irish Sea to the east. It shares land borders with County Londonderry to the west and County Down to the south. The county covers an area of approximately 3,046 square kilometers.

The county's landscape is diverse, featuring the Antrim Plateau, which rises to over 500 meters at its highest point, Trostan. The Glens of Antrim are a series of nine picturesque valleys that run from the Antrim Plateau to the coast. The county is also home to the famous Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique basalt column formations.

History

County Antrim has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was inhabited by the Celts and later became part of the Kingdom of Dalriada. During the Norman invasion of Ireland, the county was part of the Earldom of Ulster.

In the 17th century, County Antrim was significantly affected by the Plantation of Ulster, which brought many Scottish and English settlers to the area. This period saw the establishment of many towns and the development of agriculture and industry.

Economy

The economy of County Antrim is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county is known for its production of linen, which was historically a major industry. Today, the economy is bolstered by tourism, particularly due to attractions like the Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

The city of Belfast, which is partly in County Antrim, is a major economic center in Northern Ireland, with industries ranging from shipbuilding to aerospace.

Demographics

As of the latest census, County Antrim has a population of approximately 618,108 people. The population is predominantly of Irish and Scottish descent, with a mix of religious affiliations, primarily Protestantism and Catholicism.

Culture

County Antrim has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, music events, and traditional Irish dancing. The county is also known for its contributions to literature and the arts, with several notable writers and artists hailing from the area.

Transport

County Antrim is well-connected by road and rail. The M2 motorway links Belfast to the north of the county, while the A26 provides access to the western parts. The county is served by several railway lines, including the Belfast-Derry railway line.

The Belfast International Airport, located near the town of Aldergrove, provides domestic and international flights, making it a key transport hub for the region.

Also see

• Belfast
• Giant's Causeway
• Glens of Antrim
• Carrickfergus Castle
• Lough Neagh