|
The industrial market community lies on the northeastern coast of Northern Ireland. Called Loch Ollarbha in Irish, tools and other artefacts found in the area indicate habitation from 6,000 years BC. The Greeks and Romans documented Larne as early as 204 AD.
Legend has it that the King of Ireland, Hugony the Great, bestowed the land to one of his children named Lathar. The area immediately became known as Latharna. Vikings raided the community and may have had a settlement here, as evidenced by burial sites and artefacts that include broadswords dated to around 900 AD. According to Norse history, the King of Ireland defeated the Vikings in 1018.
During the 1200s, the Scotch/Irish Bissett family had dominion over the territory and constructed the Olderfleet Castle. Edward, brother of Scottish King Robert the Bruce, arrived on the coast of Larne in 1315 in hopes of conquering Ireland. In a constant war against England, Edward planned to build a sizable Gaelic force against British and Anglo/Norman Irish citizens. He conquered Ulster and destroyed Dundalk and Kells. Famine eventually took its toll on Edward and his army. He was defeated by the Anglo/Norman Irish at the Battle of Faughart.
Elizabeth I appointed Moyses Hill as official governor of Castle Olderfleet in 1569. In the 1600s, England, Ireland and Scotland united under the rule of James VI. As a ploy for preventing further rebellion, the king sent English and Scottish immigrants to Ireland. They arrived in Larne and colonized many areas, but not County Antrim.
Beginning in 1717, the Irish started emigrating to the United States because of a declining economy, due in part to successive years of potato blight. By the mid 1800s, the country’s population decreased by 25 percent due to famine and death.
Activities and Attractions
Larne has numerous routes and trails for cycling and walking. The harbour heritage trail explores the history of the port and visits memorials and interesting features along the way. The Islandmagee Walks pamphlet details 21 different paths in Larne, through the countryside and along the coast. The longest path travels a little over 8 miles (12 km). Walks vary from easy to strenuous and from level ground to hiking up the side of coastal hills.
While along the coast, visitors encounter the ruins of Olderfleet Castle. Built as a tower house that once stood four stories tall, guests see what remains of gun holes, fireplaces and walls. This structure was one of three that once protected the harbour.
Canoeing, kayaking and sailing are common water sports enjoyed by locals and visitors. Take a cruise along the coast or venture to nearby Scotland by ferry. Anglers find salmon and sea bass among the species of fish frequently caught in local waters. Larne is a bird watcher’s haven with over 137 different species known to nest in the area. Golfers have the option of teeing off at one of three courses located in or close to Larne. One course has 18 holes, while the other two boast 9. Scenic features of the courses include rolling green hills, wooded areas and spectacular views over the sea.
Picturesque local wooded areas include the Glenarm Forest. Beech, oak and spruce are only some of the tree types that comprise the location. The naturally beautiful area also features a large array of wildflowers and ivy. Anglers find salmon and trout in the feeder streams and the Glenarm River.
Visit the Larne Museum and Arts Centre for an interesting look at the history and heritage of the community. Visitors find the museum in a historic building that once contained the library. The home retains many of its original features. Guests browse through a large collection of artefacts spanning hundreds of years. The facility displays works created by notable Irish artists. The Arts Centre regularly hosts live performances.
Places to Stay and Dining
Larne hotel choices include the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved get away at one of the historic manor estates. Facilities are typically secluded and peaceful, but close enough to the coast to offer amazing waterfront views. Many hotels are also close to community attractions.
Billy Andy’s Restaurant serves a delicious variety of traditional Irish meals. Feast on the steak of the day or beef rib eye, served with potato puree and spinach. Indulge in mouth-watering pork tenderloin, served with apple and ham hock pie and leeks.
Accommodation in Larne
Show Bed & Breakfasts in Larne
Show Hotels in Larne
| 
