Whitehead

Whitehead
County Antrim
The shorefront
Location
Location:	54°45’26"N, 5°42’14"W
Data
Population:	3,702  (2001)
Post town:	Carrickfergus
Postcode:	BT38
Dialling code:	028
Local Government
Council:	Mid & East Antrim
Parliamentary constituency:	East Antrim

Whitehead is a small seaside town on the east coast of County Antrim, found almost midway between the towns of Carrickfergus and Larne. Before the Plantation of Ulster its name was recorded as both Whitehead and Kinbaine, the latter from an Cionn Bán, meaning "The White Head".

The town stands at the base of Muldersleigh Hill, at the entrance to Belfast Lough, Whitehead lies in a small bay between the limestone cliffs of Whitehead and the black volcanic cliff of Blackhead, with the Blackhead Lighthouse on top, marking the entrance to the Lough. It had a population of 3,702 in the 2001. Whitehead is notable in that there are no streets with the suffix "Street" in their name, giving rise to the nickname 'The Town With No Streets'.

Churches

• Church of Ireland: St Patrick's
• Baptist: Whitehead Baptist Church
• Congregational: Whitehead Congregational Church
• Independent: Bethany Hall, Christian Assembly
• Methodist: Whitehead Methodist Church
• Presbyterian: Whitehead Presbyterian Church
• Roman Catholic: Our Lady of Lourdes

History

In late Victorian and Edwardian times, Whitehead was a popular seaside holiday destination and visitors flocked from Belfast and the surrounding area each year. The town also was home to an aerodrome during the First World War which housed two airships.

Whitehead is a Victorian railway village with a well preserved conservation area, including the railway station. It is home to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, County Antrim Yacht Club and the Council owned Bentra Golf Course, as well as being the starting point for the popular Gobbins Path seaside walk past Sunshine House, around Blackhead Lighthouse and along the North Channel cliffs of Islandmagee.

Whitehead is about 20 miles from Belfast. On the opposite coast of Belfast Lough, the Copeland Islands, Bangor and part of the County Down coastline, are clearly visible.

In 2012 Northern Ireland's first Jubilee Wood was planted at Whitehead to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sport

• Whitehead Eagles F.C. play in the Northern Amateur Football League.

Railways

Whitehead railway station is on the Larne Harbour to Belfast Central and Belfast Great Victoria Street line.

The station is also the home of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.

Outside links

• Whitehead Community Association
• County Antrim Yacht Club - Marine Parade, Whitehead
• Whitehead Golf Club
• Railway Preservation Society of Ireland
• Bentra Golf Course
• Whitelight Theatre Group
• Castle FM Carrick's Radio Station (special events)
• Brighter Whitehead, established to ensure our town always looks its best
• Culture Northern Ireland