Larne, County Antrim

Larne Information

Larne is both the most modern and the most ancient of places. The name of the town is believed to have derived from a prince called Lathar, son of an ancient Irish king, who was granted the lands by his father.

The area came to be called Lathar-na, meaning the lands of Lathar, and this has been Anglicised to Larne. Archaeology has produced remains and artifacts in the area suggesting an ancient culture which lived close to the shores of the North Channel and traded with others around the coasts of Scotland.

Nowadays the trade links still remain, as the port is one of the most modern roll-on/roll-off terminals in the United Kingdom, and ships daily take passengers and goods to and from the coast of Scotland.

Today the town combines a historical past with modern port, shopping and leisure facilities.

In addition to having many attractions of its own, it is also ideally located for those wishing to use Larne or surrounding areas as a base to further explore the Glens of Antrim and scenic Antrim Coast Road, which stretches from the town northwards through the nine glens.

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Derrin Guest House | B&B

Award winning guest house situated in a quiet residential area close to the town centre of Larne and the ferry terminal.

Derrin Guest House has won several awards from the Tourist Board as well as being a British Airways Tourist Award finalist in 1997.

Ivy Chalmers and Siebe Wynberg
2 Prince's Gardens
+44 (028) 2827 3269  
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North Irish Lodge | B&B

Set on the Antrim Coast

(044) 93 382 246
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Town centre area

Larne town centre offers an excellent range of shops, from department stores to small family run businesses. There are shopping centres at Murrayfield, adjacent to Broadway, and at Riverdale, and ample car parking at Circular Road, Agnew Street, Fairhill and Riverdale. There are also various cafes, bars and restaurants within easy reach of the town centre. The town centre area is also the location for a number of distinctive blue plaques commemorating the town's links with the USA as a result of emigration which started in the 18th century.

Larne Tourist Information Centre, Narrow Gauge Road, Tel/Fax: (028) 2826 0088

This modern centre, officially opened in 1993, is an ideal starting point for the tourist, with both local and provincial tourist information available.

The centre offers a three dimensional presentation on the Coast Road, offering a flavour of this most unique of attractions. There is also a tableaux displaying the coastal area with its castles, historical sites, forest parks, and other notable landmarks.

The staff are friendly and delighted to help all who visit the centre, whether they require accommodation information or just brochures to take away and browse through.

Services available include Bureau de Change, accommodation booking, free information, tickets and reservations, car hire and an excellent range of gifts and crafts.

Opening Hours
1 October - Easter: Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Easter - 30th September:
Min Opening Monday - Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Bank Holiday Hours:
10.00am - 4.00pm 24 hour answer service available.

Larne Leisure Centre

Situated at Tower Road in the harbour district, this modern and well-equipped leisure centre, which was opened in 1994, can cater for a wide variety of sports and leisure facilities.

It includes a swimming pool, children's pool, spa, sauna and steam, fitness suite, squash courts, large main hall, and the MeNeill Theatre, which can seat over 250 people.

Larne Museum

Situated in the Carnegie Arts Centre at Victoria Road, convenient to the Fairhill car park, the town's historical centre offers a glimpse into a rich and varied past.

There are hundreds of old photographs as well as artifacts ranging through old school desks to ship's anchors and everything in between!

A major feature is a representation of a cottage interior, which gives some idea of life for ordinary people in the area in bygone years. The centre is an invaluable place to start if you are researching family connections with the area.

Ulster-American Memorial, Curran Park

An imposing statue featuring three figures is located at Curran Park on Curran Road, and marks the role played by 18th century Ulster emigrants in America.

The statue represents a family group on their way to an emigrant ship (the first of which, the 'Friend's Goodwill', sailed from Larne in May 17l7), and was unveiled in 1992.

The statue has a perfect and peaceful surrounding in the Curran Park, which has beautiful trees and flower beds and a fine view overlooking Larne Lough and the hills beyond. Curran Park is also the venue for a public bowling green.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Two thirds of Larne Borough has been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and the unspoilt countryside and seascapes of Larne remain its greatest natural asset. From Islandmagee and Ballycarry in the south of the borough to Garron Point in the North, Larne is justly proud of its scenic beauty.

Larne Market

For those who wish to experience the atmosphere of a traditional country market, Larne's public market is held on a Wednesday morning, it also plays host to a Friday livestock market for the farming community and is located at the Market Yard at Station Road.

Town Park

The Town Park, situated off the Glenarm Road adjacent to the Chaine Park, is an excellent activity base for all the family.

There are tennis courts, a putting green and a children's playground, while the less energetic can have a stroll to the Bankheads area which overlooks the North Channel and the harbour and mouth of Larne Lough.