County Antrim

County Antrim is a historic county in Northern Ireland stretching from the capital Belfast to Lough Neagh, encompassing nine wooded valleys and basalt cliffs along the northern coast. The territory covers much of northeastern Ireland, bordering both the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The region became an administrative division under Edward II during medieval times, following centuries of Celtic and Viking settlement that shaped the area. The modern county emerged through reforms in the 19th century that established its current boundaries.

The area preserves Irish and Ulster-Scots traditions through language programs taught in schools and community centers across the region. Visitors can experience this living heritage in daily life, especially in rural districts and at local festivals throughout the year.

The area is accessible via Belfast International Airport, train links to larger cities, and ferry routes from Larne Harbor to Scotland. Drivers will find a dense road network, while walkers can explore the coastal region and interior on marked trails.

The northern coast features a basalt formation with 40,000 hexagonal columns created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. This structure is considered one of the most remarkable geological features in Europe and attracts geologists from around the world.