Larne factfile

How to get to Larne
Given that its seaport is over 1,000 years old, the most obvious way of getting to Larne is by water. Used by around a million tourists each year (as well as carrying freight), the port has routes to Cairnryan and Troon in Scotland, and Fleetwood in England.

Larne is also easily accessible by car—it is just over 37 km (23 mi) north of Belfast.

How Larne got its name
The name Larne comes from the Gaelic "Latharna", derived from the name of a Viking chieftain called Lathar. He was son of Hugony the Great, born in 633 BC, and later became High King of Ireland.

Larne through the ages
The first emigrant ship to set sail for America from Larne was back in the 18th century. But although it has always been known for its seaport, it wasn't until the mid- to late-19th century that Larne began to boom as a port.

James Chaine bought the harbour in 1866 and repaired and extended it. Although he died in his forties, Chaine's legacy is still there for all to see in the form of Larne's prosperous harbour.

Shopping in Larne
There's a handy variety of shops in Larne, with department stores, family-run businesses, shopping centres and a market (on Station Road).

Famous Landmarks in Larne
In Larne's Curran Park, there's a bronze monument commemorating the large numbers of Irish people who emigrated to America during the 18th century. The statue shows a mother, father and child on their way to an emigrant ship, widely thought to be the Friend's Goodwill, the first such ship to set sail for America from Larne back in 1717.

Famous people from Larne
Larne has some musical claims to fame. Rockers Fife Ewing and Michael Mekeegan from the original line-up of rock band Therapy lived there, as well as Eddie Mooney from The Dakotas and DJ Fergie (real name Robert Ferguson).