Antrim
| Antrim | |
| County Antrim | |
|---|---|
 Bridge over Six Mile Water | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | J1588 |
| Location: | 54°43’2"N, 6°12’20"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 20,001 (2001) |
| Post town: | Antrim |
| Postcode: | BT41 |
| Dialling code: | 028 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Antrim Borough Council |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
South Antrim |
Antrim is the town in County Antrim from which the county takes its name. It stands on the banks of the Six Mile Water, half a mile north-east of Lough Neagh.
A historic town, many buildings of note remain, in particular in and around High Street. The courthouse sits at the end of the street, near the Barbican Gate, the old gateway to Antrim Castle. There are also hidden gems, such as a 19th century smithy (now a shop) on Bridge Street with a distinctive horseshoe entrance.
Others include:
- Shane's Castle and Antrim Castle
- An Irish round tower 93 feet high and 50 feet in circumference at the base about a mile from the town. It is one of the most perfect examples remaing. It stands in the grounds of Steeple, where there is also the "Witches' Stone", a prehistoric monument.
- The octagonal tower of a Castle which stood near the Six Mile Water, destroyed by fire in 1922.
- Antrim Market House is a 2-storey building, nine bays long, three deep built in 1726. Formerly a Court House, it is currently being renovated and will house Antrim Information Centre, which is transferring from its existing premises in High Street, and a new multi-purpose auditorium on the first floor providing space for a range of functions including theatre and music promotions.
- The Castle Grounds, that is beside the Antrim Castle.
Aldergrove Airport near the town is Ulster's main airport, serving destinations in Britain, Europe and North America.