Antrim is the capital of the Irish county of the same name, located in the province of Ulster, on the territory of Northern Ireland (which, as we remember, belongs to Great Britain).County Antrim is really tiny, only 2.8 square kilometers, and the population of its capital is about 20 thousand people.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Originally, the territory of present-day Antrim was inhabited by the Darins, a Celtic tribe.The city is infamous for Norse sieges, at one time the Vikings even reached Loch Nych.In 1798, an uprising for independence took place near the city of Antrim.The result is the victory of the British troops over the Organization of United Irishmen, which staged a riot. The OOI pursued a simple goal - to make Ireland independent and unite Protestants and Catholics.But it didn't work out.On June 7, 1798, approximately 4,000 United Irishmen set out to capture Antrim under the leadership of Joy McCracken.However, the arriving British troops managed to drive the rebels out of the city.
HOW TO GET
Antrim is just 35 kilometers north-west of Belfast.You can get there by bus or rented car.Unfortunately, the railway station was closed in 1965.
ENTERTAINMENT AND SIGHTS
Many medieval architectural monuments have been preserved in Antrim.Most of the houses are concentrated in the High Street area.Next to the Barbican Gate is the courthouse.Antrim Castle was located nearby, however, it was destroyed in 1922, and only the ruins of this once large building have survived to this day.
A nineteenth-century forge on Bridge Street has been preserved in the city.Today, the blacksmith's building houses a shop, and an old horseshoe still hangs above the door.
Shane Castle is another local attraction that is in demand among tourists.The popularity of the castle is primarily due to the fact that the world-famous HBO TV series "Game of Thrones" was filmed here.Today only ruins remain of the castle, built in 1345.The castle was originally called Eden-Duff-Carrick, but in 1722 it was renamed Shane's Castle.
Giant's Causeway
Not far from Antrim is the world-famous Giant's Causeway (or Giant's Causeway).By the way, it is included in the list of world historical monuments.The trail is 40,000 basalt and andesite columns connected to each other.It was formed as a result of the oldest volcanic eruption.
How to find: The Giant's Causeway is three kilometers from the village of Bushmills.You can get there from Antrim in 30-40 minutes.
Glenariffe Forest Park and Antrim River Valley
Glenariffe Forest Park and the Antrim River Valley are of great interest.Popular and quite expensive resorts are located here.Annual golf championships are also held here.The most famous local golf club is Royal Portrush.
