Antrim factfile

How to get to Antrim
Belfast International Airport is only four miles from the town of Antrim, on the north-east corner of Lough Neagh, and it's just a 20-minute drive to Belfast City Airport and the harbours at Larne and Belfast.

Things to see and do around Antrim
On Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, you can take day trips on The Maid of Antrim, the oldest passenger vessel in the inland waterways of Northern Ireland. Other features include Shane's Castle, the family seat of the O'Neills of Clanaboy, plus the 17th-century water gardens of Antrim Castle.

Natural beauty spots around Antrim
The Borough of Antrim is on the north-east corner of Lough Neagh, in a beautiful area noted for its forests, rivers, trails and woodlands. The lough is home to an exceptional variety of wildlife and plants.

Also worth visiting are the Glens of Antrim, Rathlin Island, and the nearby towns and villages of Armoy, Ballintoy, Bushmills, Ballycastle, Cushendun, Cushendall and Waterfoot.

Sports and leisure in Antrim
Anglers are spoilt for choice, with Lough Neagh home to the dollaghan, a unique species of lake trout. Its many tributaries also support a large stock of native brownies. Water sports, golfing, walking, archery and other leisure activities are well supported.

Famous landmarks in Antrim
The 92 ft Antrim Round Tower, built during the 10th century, was built as part of a monastic settlement. To the west of Antrim are the Beaghmore Stone Circles, while just outside Dunadry is what's claimed to be the finest Bronze-Age hole stone (a ceremonial standing stone with a hole cut through it) in the British Isles.

Antrim through the ages
Antrim and its surroundings have been settled in part for at least 9,000 years. Famously, in 1798, it was the site of the Battle of Antrim, which effectively ended the Presbyterian rebellion against the Crown by the Society of United Irishmen.

Arts and culture in Antrim
The Clotworthy Arts Centre, in the grounds of Antrim Castle, is Antrim Borough's main venue for drama, music and the visual arts. It combines a beautiful setting with first-class facilities.

Shopping in Antrim
Antrim's town centre is well stocked with both high-street names and many local shops. Belfast, with its world-class retail facilities, is just 25 minutes away by car.

Eating and drinking in Antrim
As in most towns in Northern Ireland, Antrim's visitors never have far to look for pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants, catering for a wide range of tastes and budgets.