The principal element of this part of our web guide is Larne, a town on the east coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The town is situated on the shores of Larne Lough, a sea lough that opens into the North Channel, offering views of coastal scenery and a busy port that has long connected Northern Ireland with Scotland and beyond.
Larne is characterized by its picturesque coastline, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling green hills. The Antrim Coat Road, a popular scenic drive, passes through Larne, offering views of the coastline and the Irish Sea. For these reasons, it is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, with its hiking trails, bicycling routes, and opportunities for water-based activities.
Larne is about 22 miles north-east of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. To the north is Ballygally, known for its beach and the historic Ballygally Castle, now a hotel. Further along the coast are the villages of Glenarm and Carnlough, both of which are part of the Glens of Antrim, an area renowned for its beauty and cultural heritage. South is the town of Carrickfergus, with its medieval castle.
The coastal area around Larne has been inhabited for millennia and is believed to have been one of the earliest inhabited areas of Ireland. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was settled as early as the Mesolithic period. The Knockdhu site, located on a hill overlooking Larne Lough, is an important archaeological site attesting to the region's prehistoric past, including evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements.
The town grew where the River Inver flows into Larne Lough. This area was known in Irish as Inbhear an Latharna, which meant "rivermouth/estuary of Lathana, and was later anglicised as Inver Lame or simply Inver. Latharna was only applied exclusively to the town in recent years.
In the 13th century, the Scots Bissett family constructed Olderfleet Castle at Curran Point. In 1315, Edward the Bruce of Scotland, brother of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, landed at Larne with a large army to conquer Ireland, where Olderfleet Castle was strategically important.
In 1569, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland, appointed Sir Moyses Hill governor of Olderfleet Castle, viewed as strategically important for any Tudor conquest of Ulster.
During the 18th century, many Scots-Irish emigrated to America from the Port of Larne. Boston's long-standing Scots-Irish roots can be traced to Larne.
Larne was the first in County Antrim to be taken by United Irishmen during the 1798 rebellion. Protestant rebels from the area, almost entirely Presbyterian, filled Larne and engaged the government forces around 2:00 am on 7 June. The surprise attack drove the garrison to flee the town, at which point the rebels marched off to join with McCracken and fight in the Battle of Antrim.
In 1914, Loyalists opposed to the Home Rule Act 1914 prepared for armed resistance. In an episode known as the Larne Gun Running, German, Austrian, and Italian weapons were transported into the ports of Larne and Bangor, and then distributed throughout Ulster.
Throughout the course of The Troubles, Larne had a sizeable paramilitary presence, mainly through the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defence Association. During this period, there were several violent incidents, such as bombings and shootings, the most recent occurring as late as July 2000.
Larne's history is varied, shaped by its strategic coastal location and role as a transportation hub. Over the centuries, the town has witnessed several historical events, including Viking raids, Norman invasions, and its role as a departure point for Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.
Its economy has traditionally been centred around its port, which has been a link between Northern Ireland and Scotland for centuries. The port facilitates importing and exporting goods, including agricultural products, industrial materials, and consumer goods. Additionally, the town has a strong manufacturing centre, particularly engineering, textiles, and food processing.
Larne offers a variety of attractions and places of interest for residents and visitors. Its coastal location provides opportunities for outdoor activities. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Larne Museum and Arts Centre, which showcases its heritage through exhibits and artifacts.
The Chaine Memorial Tower is an impressive stone tower built in the 19th century to honor James Chaine, a local figure who played a key role in developing Larne's port and transportation infrastructure. The nearby Carnfunnock Country Park offers a blend of formal gardens, woodlands, and recreational facilities.
Local businesses, industries, museums, libraries, churches, schools, organisations, and events are appropriate for this category.
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Larne Grammar School is a co-educational voluntary grammar school in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1886, it has just under 800 pupils and 50 teaching staff. The school enrols pupils aged 11-18, and uses a house (Curran, Drumalis, Gardenmore, Inver) system. The school's history, board of governors, staff, and contact data are provided, along with its policies, a prospectus, canteen menu, and a school calendar. Its admissions policies and departments are discussed.
http://www.larnegrammar.co.uk/
Opened in 1957, the school was originally known as Greenland Intermediate Secondary School. Today, it enrols pupils from the age of eleven to eighteen and can sit exams at Key Stage 3, GCSE, GNVQ, and A-level. LHS is an all-ability secondary school for boys and girls. Its location, contact data, school calendar, curriculum, career information, admissions policies, pastoral care services, policies, and its academic, sports, and extra-curricular activities are featured.
https://www.larnehigh.org.uk/
Constructed in 1905, this historic building opened its doors to the public in 1906 as the Carnegie Free Library following financial assistance from Andrew Carnegie. In 2005, it was restored and renovated, retaining many of its original features, and now serves and a museum and art centre. Its location, parking information, disabled access, opening hours, and contact details are provided, along with its exhibits, learning and educational programmes, and other features.
https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/things-to-do/museums-arts/larne-museum-and-arts-centre/
Moyle Primary School and Nursery Unit
Opened in 1957 after the closures of the Parochial and Larne Number 1 schools, the school is situated next to Larne High School, which also opened in 1957. The Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, school serves children aged 3-4 in its nursery unit and those aged 4-11 in its primary school. The school offers a variety of services supporting children with disabilities or additional needs. Its history, staff, classes, learning support services, and safety policies are highlighted.
https://moyleprimaryschool.eschools.co.uk/
In partnership with Brighter Futures, We Love Larne, LM Agency, and Larne Area Community Support, Visit Larne was created to promote tourism in the Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland area. The website highlights things to see and do in the area, local restaurants and bars, a trip planner, and a downloadable map, in PDF format, that highlights local attractions and places of interest. A form is available for local businesses wanting to be listed on the site.
https://visitlarne.com/
