List of settlements in Northern Ireland by county facts for kids
Northern Ireland is a special part of the United Kingdom located on the island of Ireland. It's known for its beautiful green landscapes, ancient castles, and friendly towns. Northern Ireland is divided into six main areas called counties. These counties are County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, and County Tyrone. Each county has its own unique places to explore, from busy cities to quiet countryside.
Contents
Exploring Northern Ireland's Counties
Northern Ireland's six counties offer many different experiences. You can find stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and important historical sites. Let's take a quick look at what makes each county special.
County Antrim: Giants and Coastlines
County Antrim is in the northeast of Northern Ireland. It's famous for the amazing Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural wonder has thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. It looks like a giant's stepping stones! The county also has the beautiful Antrim Coast and Glens area, with nine deep valleys (glens) and stunning sea views. The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is partly located in County Antrim. Belfast is a busy city with lots of shops, museums, and the famous Titanic Belfast visitor attraction.
County Armagh: The Orchard County
County Armagh is often called the "Orchard County" because of its many apple orchards. It's a very green and fertile area in the southeast. The city of Armagh is the county town and has a long history. It's known as the spiritual capital of Ireland, with two cathedrals named after Saint Patrick. One belongs to the Church of Ireland and the other to the Roman Catholic Church. You can also visit the Armagh Observatory and Armagh Planetarium for a look at the stars and space.
County Down: Mountains and Lakes
County Down is in the southeast of Northern Ireland. It's home to the impressive Mourne Mountains, the highest mountain range in Northern Ireland. The highest peak, Slieve Donard, is a popular spot for hikers. The county also has beautiful coastline along Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the British Isles. This area is great for wildlife spotting, especially birds. Historic towns like Downpatrick, where Saint Patrick is said to be buried, add to the county's charm.
County Fermanagh: Lakes and Islands
County Fermanagh is in the southwest and is known as "the Lakeland county." It's dominated by Lough Erne, a large lake system made up of Upper and Lower Lough Erne. These lakes are dotted with many islands, some of which have ancient ruins and monasteries. The county town, Enniskillen, is located on an island between the two parts of Lough Erne. You can enjoy boat trips, fishing, and exploring historic sites like Devenish Island with its round tower.
County Londonderry: Walled City and Coast
County Londonderry, also known as County Derry, is in the northwest. Its main city is Derry/Londonderry, which is famous for its historic city walls. These walls are some of the best-preserved in Europe and you can walk all the way around them. The county also has lovely coastal areas and parts of the Sperrin Mountains. The River Foyle flows through the city, adding to its scenic beauty.
County Tyrone: Heart of Ulster
County Tyrone is the largest county in Northern Ireland and is located in the west. It's often called the "Heart of Ulster" because of its central location. The county has rolling hills, forests, and parts of the Sperrin Mountains. Omagh is the county town. A popular attraction is the Ulster American Folk Park, an outdoor museum that tells the story of Irish emigration to America. It has historic buildings and costumed guides, showing what life was like long ago.
More Places to Discover
Beyond the counties, Northern Ireland has many interesting towns and villages. Each one has its own story and unique features. You can find bustling market towns, quiet coastal villages, and places with deep historical roots. Exploring these smaller places helps you understand the rich culture and history of Northern Ireland.
