67-706: The Blackstaff River is a watercourse in County Antrim , Northern Ireland . It rises on the eastern slope of the Black Mountain before flowing down into the Bog Meadows and passing under the city of Belfast , where it enters the River Lagan . Much of its course has been culverted and built upon since the 19th century, making it largely invisible today. Its tributaries include the Forth or Clowney River, which meets it beneath
134-543: A chunk of earth and tossed it at a Scottish rival. It fell into the Irish Sea , forming the Isle of Man , while the crater left behind filled with water to form Lough Neagh. In 839, a group of Vikings based a fleet on Lough Neagh, where they wintered during the winter of 840. Prior to the Tudor conquest of Ireland , the lough had been largely unclaimed by local Gaelic nobles , such as
201-675: A link from the city of Belfast , the Newry Canal linked to the port of Newry , and the Ulster Canal led to the Lough Erne navigations, providing a navigable inland route via the River Shannon to Limerick , Dublin and Waterford . The Lower Bann was also navigable to Coleraine and the Antrim coast, and the short Coalisland Canal provided a route for coal transportation. Of these waterways, only
268-595: A main contributor to the high flood risk in central and low-lying areas of Belfast. In particular on 16 August 2008, a newly opened underpass carrying the M1 motorway onto the A12 Westlink controversially flooded to a depth of 20 feet (6.1 m) during heavy rain with water from the culverted Blackstaff and Clowney Rivers. 54°34′51″N 5°57′48″W / 54.58074°N 5.96326°W / 54.58074; -5.96326 County Antrim County Antrim (named after
335-752: A major industry in Lough Neagh for centuries. These European eels make their way from the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, some 4,000 miles (6,000 km) along the Gulf Stream to the mouth of the River Bann , and then make their way into the lough. They remain there for some 10 to 15 years, maturing, before returning to the Sargasso to spawn. Today Lough Neagh eel fisheries export their eels to restaurants all over
402-503: A parcel of land at Cromac in order to build a paper mill, which would be powered by the Blackstaff. The original outlet of the river was turned into a mill dam, giving additional power to the mill. The dam was later drained and developed into the Markets district of the city, while the paper mill closed in the 1850s. The Gasworks here opened in 1823 and continued to operate until the 1980s, when
469-494: 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
536-643: A wharf at Belfast Castle , and in the 1690s the river was diverted through a cutting in Cromac Wood, at what is now the Gasworks. This work, commissioned by the Earl of Donegall during a lean period in order to provide relief for local labourers, allowed development to commence on the southern side of Ann Street, the original limit of the town. In 1767, Henry Joy (whose family published the Belfast Newsletter ) purchased
603-610: Is a freshwater lake in Northern Ireland and is the largest lake on the island of Ireland and in the British Isles . It has a surface area of 151 square miles (392 square kilometres) and is about 19 miles (31 km) long and 9 miles (14 km) wide. According to Northern Ireland Water , it supplies 40.7% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. Its main inflows are the Upper River Bann and Blackwater , and its main outflow
670-657: Is a depression, built from many tectonic events dating back as far as 400 million years ago. These tectonic events are responsible for a NE-SW bedrock structure which has controlled many subsequent events. During the Paleozoic era, the Lough Neagh Basin was a depositional graben . Of the 1,760-square-mile (4,550 km ) catchment area, around 9% lies in the Republic of Ireland and 91% in Northern Ireland; altogether 43% of
737-428: 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
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#1732848156274804-599: 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 , the capital city of Northern Ireland, is in County Antrim, with the remainder being in County Down . According to
871-551: 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
938-732: 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
1005-739: 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
1072-400: Is ranked 33rd in the list of largest lakes of Europe . Located 20 miles (32 km) west of Belfast , it is about 20 miles (32 km) long and 9 miles (14 km) wide. It is very shallow around the margins and the average depth in the main body of the lake is about 30 feet (9 m), although at its deepest the lough is about 80 feet (24 m) deep. Geologically the Lough Neagh Basin
1139-524: 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 the North Channel . The valleys of
1206-547: Is the Lower Bann. There are several small islands, including Ram's Island , Coney Island and Derrywarragh Island . The lake bed is owned by the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury and the lake is managed by Lough Neagh Partnership. Its name comes from Irish Loch nEachach [ˌl̪ˠɔx ˈn̠ʲahəx] , meaning " Eachaidh 's lake". With an area of 151 square miles (392 km ), it is the British Isles' largest lake by area and
1273-692: 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 ,
1340-450: 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 the east, where the highest elevations are attained. The range runs north and south, and, following this direction,
1407-510: 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,
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#17328481562741474-607: 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
1541-582: The Flight of the Earls . He first laid claim to the lough's infrastructure, then to its boats, then the shores and finally the lough in its entirety, including all relevant fishing rights. It is possible he did this without approval from James VI and I . The lough was later inherited by Edward, 1st Viscount Chichester , Sir Arthur's younger brother; Edward's descendants later married into the Shaftesbury family. In 2012, it
1608-554: The O'Neill and O'Donnell dynasties . During the reign of Elizabeth I , an Englishman, Sir Hugh Clotworthy , settled near Antrim as part of the Plantation of Ulster and was granted the office of "Captain of Lough Neagh" by the Dublin Castle administration , being paid a stipend in return for maintaining boats on the lough to enforce the Crown 's authority. Clotworthy was succeeded in
1675-560: 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,
1742-481: The 12th Earl of Shaftesbury has implications for planned changes to state-run domestic water services in Northern Ireland, as the lough is also used as a sewage outfall, and this arrangement is only permissible through Crown immunity . Traditional working boats on Lough Neagh include wide-beamed 4.9-to-6.4-metre (16 to 21 ft) clinker-built , sprit-rigged working boats and smaller flat-bottomed "cots" and "flats". Barges, here called "lighters", were used until
1809-620: 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
1876-478: The 1940s to transport coal over the lough and adjacent canals. Until the 17th century, log boats ( coití ) were the main means of transport. Few traditional boats are left now, but a community-based group on the southern shore of the lough is rebuilding a series of working boats. In the 19th century, three canals were constructed, using the lough to link various ports and cities: the Lagan Navigation provided
1943-404: 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
2010-721: The Broadway Roundabout in West Belfast. The Blackstaff's name probably references a primitive crossing formed from blackened beams of oak. It was known in Irish as the Abhainn Bheara or Owenvarra, meaning "river of the staff". In earlier times the Blackstaff flowed into the Lagan immediately above the present-day Queen's Bridge at what is now Victoria Square , and formed a wide, muddy estuary that extended as far up as Sandy Row . Here, it
2077-519: 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
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2144-530: The Lough. Although the Lough is used for a variety of recreational and commercial activities, it is exposed and tends to get extremely rough very quickly in windy conditions. According to Northern Ireland Water , Lough Neagh supplies 40.7% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. There have long been plans to increase the amount of water drawn from the lough, through a new water treatment works at Hog Park Point, but these are yet to materialise. The lough's ownership by
2211-1575: The Lough. Its members are highly trained and are a declared facility for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency which co-ordinates rescues on Lough Neagh. Lough Neagh attracts birdwatchers from many nations due to the number and variety of birds which winter and summer in the boglands and shores around the lough. The flora of the north-east of Northern Ireland includes the algae: Chara aspera , Chara globularis var. globularis , Chara globularis var. virgate , Chara vulgaris var. vulgaris , Chara vulgaris var. papillata , Tolypella nidifica var. glomerata . Records of Angiospermae include: Ranunculus flammula var. pseudoreptans , Ranunculus auricomus , Ranunculatus sceleratus , Ranunculatus circinatus , Ranunculatus peltatus , Thalictrum flavum , Thalictrum minus subsp. minus , Nymphaea alba , Ceratophyllum demersum , Subularia aquatic , Erophila verna sub. verna , Cardamine pratensis , Cardamine impatiens , Cardamine flexuosa , Rorippa palustris , Rorippa amphibia , Reseda luteola , Viola odorata , Viola reichenbachiana , Viola tricolor ssp. Violoa tricolor ssp. curtissi , Hypericum androsaemum , Hypericum maculatum , Elatine hydropiper , Silene vulgaris , Silene dioica , Saponaria officinalis , Cerastium arvense , Cerastium semidecandrum , Cerastium diffusum , Sagina nodosa , Spergularia rubra , Spergulaia rupicola , Chenopodium bonus-henricus , Chenopodium polyspermum . Eel fishing has been
2278-454: The Lower Bann remains open today, although a restoration plan for the Ulster Canal is currently in progress. Lough Neagh Rescue provides a search and rescue service 24 hours a day and has 3 stations, situated around the lough. These are at Antrim, Ardboe and Kinnego Marinas, Kinnego being its headquarters and founding station. It is a voluntary service funded by the district councils bordering
2345-830: 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
2412-783: 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
2479-444: 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
2546-510: 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
2613-453: 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 the celebrated Giant's Causeway . From the eastern coast the hills rise instantly but less abruptly, and
2680-416: 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 the northern shore the range terminates in abrupt and almost perpendicular declivities, and here, consequently, some of
2747-409: The horses are killed by Midir (Midhir), which may be another name for Ébliu's husband Mairid. Óengus (Aonghus) then appears and gives them an enormous horse that can carry all their belongings. Óengus warns that they must not let the horse rest or it will be their doom. However, after reaching Ulster the horse stops and urinates, and a spring rises from the spot. Echaid builds a house there and covers
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2814-501: The idea of a supernatural being creating the landscape with its own body is an ancient one common to many pre-Christian cultures. A Gaelic sept called the Uí Echach ("descendants of Echaid") dwelt in the area and it is likely their name comes from the cult of the god. They gave their name to the territory of Iveagh . Another tale tells how the lake was formed when Ireland's legendary giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) scooped up
2881-467: 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 the easterly winds prevalent in spring. The only island of size
2948-431: The lake is split between four local government districts of Northern Ireland, which are listed clockwise: Lough Neagh is managed by Lough Neagh Partnership Ltd, a stakeholder group made up of elected representatives, land-owners, fishermen, sand traders and local community representatives. Lough Neagh Partnership is responsible for the lough's conservation, promotion and sustainable development together with navigation of
3015-409: The lake. Towns and villages near the Lough include Craigavon , Antrim , Crumlin , Randalstown , Toomebridge , Ballyronan , Ballinderry , Moortown , Ardboe , Brockagh , Maghery , Lurgan and Magherafelt . Five of the six counties of Northern Ireland have shores on the Lough (only Fermanagh does not), and its area is split among them. The counties are listed clockwise: The area of
3082-667: The land area of Northern Ireland is drained into the lough, which itself flows out northwards to the sea via the River Bann . As one of its sources is the Upper Bann, the Lough can itself be considered as part of the Bann. Lough Neagh is fed by many tributaries including the rivers Main (34 mi, 55 km), Six Mile Water (21 mi, 34 km), Upper Bann (40 mi, 64 km), Blackwater (57 mi, 92 km), Ballinderry (29 mi, 47 km) and Moyola (31 mi, 50 km) In 2023 and 2024, toxic algal blooms , mostly caused by agricultural run-off , spread across
3149-538: 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
3216-931: 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. Lough Neagh Lough Neagh ( / l ɒ x ˈ n eɪ / lokh NAY ; Irish : Loch nEathach [l̪ˠɔx ˈn̠ʲaha(x)] )
3283-583: 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
3350-420: 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
3417-413: The office by the 1st Viscount Massereene and, subsequently, the 2nd Viscount Massereene . In 1660, Charles II of England gave the 1st Viscount Massereene the rights to the fish and bed of the lough. During the early seventeenth century, Sir Arthur Chichester (later created the 1st Baron Chichester ) gradually laid claim to Lough Neagh during the Stuart conquest of Ulster , taking advantage of
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#17328481562743484-400: 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
3551-420: 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
3618-450: The site was converted into a business park and the section of the Blackstaff that ran through it was culverted. The Blackstaff remained open until the late 19th century, but became increasingly foul and polluted. In 1881, an article in the Newsletter complained that the river had gone from being "little more polluted than a mountain burn" to "the greatest eyesore in the town", and proposed a system of culverts to hide it from view. This work
3685-482: 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
3752-461: The spring with a capstone to stop its overflowing. One night, the capstone is not replaced and the spring overflows, drowning Echaid and most of his family, and creating Loch n-Echach ( Loch nEachach , the lake of Eachaidh). The character Echaid refers to the Dagda , a god of the ancient Irish who was also known as Echaid Ollathair (meaning "horseman, father of all"). Ébliu, Midir and Óengus were also names of deities. Dáithí Ó hÓgáin writes that
3819-419: The start of the Plantation of Ulster , the English attempted to rename the lake 'Lough Sydney ' and 'Lough Chichester ', in honour of the Lord Deputies , but these did not supplant the older name. In the Irish mythical tale Cath Maige Tuired ("the Battle of Moytura"), Lough Neagh is called one of the twelve chief loughs of Ireland. The origin of the lake and its name is explained in an Irish tale that
3886-492: 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
3953-470: 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 a population density of 211 people per square kilometre or 546 people per square mile. It
4020-466: 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
4087-606: The world, and the Lough Neagh Eel has been granted Protected Geographical Status under European Union law . Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney produced a collection of poems A Lough Neagh Sequence celebrating the eel-fishermen's traditional techniques and the natural history of their catch. Other fish species in the lake include dollaghan —a variety of brown trout native to the lake, salmon, trout, perch and pollan ; bream, gudgeon , pike and rudd are also found, but are less common. The lough's English name derives from Irish Loch nEachach , meaning ' Eachaidh 's lake'. At
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#17328481562744154-422: Was accomplished in the succeeding decade, and the river was buried beneath the city. Much like the neighbouring Farset , the Blackstaff is now largely invisible, although there are still unculverted sections along the Boucher Road in the west of the city. The Blackstaff is a "designated watercourse" of the Department for Infrastructure , and is controlled and maintained by the Rivers Agency . It has been cited as
4221-404: 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
4288-652: Was reported that the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury was considering transferring ownership of the lough to the Northern Ireland Assembly . In October 2023, Lord Shaftesbury stated in an interview with BBC Northern Ireland that while he was open to selling Lough Neagh to the Northern Irish public, he would not give it away for free. He stated in the interview that "the sale is one that's borne out of an understanding that my ownership has always been very divisive and quite political and I always get blamed for things that are completely outside of my control. I feel it's often used as an excuse for political inaction and I always want to do
4355-400: 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
4422-430: Was spanned by a stone crossing called the Saltwater Bridge, which stood where the Boyne Bridge stands today. In the 17th century the situation of the Blackstaff became a problem for the newly built town of Belfast, which found its potential for expansion limited by the mud flats on its southern side. A variety of improvements were made in the succeeding years. A new channel was cut at the river's mouth to allow boats to reach
4489-411: Was written down in the Middle Ages , but is likely pre-Christian. According to the tale, the lake is named after Echaid (modern spelling: Eochaidh or Eachaidh), who was the son of Mairid (Mairidh), a king of Munster . Echaid falls in love with his stepmother, a young woman named Ébliu (Ébhlinne). They try to elope, accompanied by many of their retainers, but someone kills their horses. In some versions,
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