ANTRIM, the most northerly county of Ireland. It is bounded by that of Down on the south-east, that of Londonderry on the west, from which it is separated by the river Bann, part of Armagh on the south, St George's channel on the east, and the Deucalidonian ocean on the north. Its greatest length is about 46 miles, its greatest breadth about 27; and the number of acres it contains, plantation-measure, are computed at 383,000. Though the country is much incumbered with bogs and marshes, yet it enjoys a pretty good air, and is well peopled, chiefly with protestants. Where it is free from bogs the soil is fruitful. It sends two members for the shire, and two for each of the following towns, viz. Lisburn, Belfast, Antrim, and Randalstown.
Certain narrow valleys, called glyns, beginning here, and running a great way along the coast, belonged formerly to the Biffets, noblemen of Scotland, who, having been obliged to quit that country for having assassinated Patrick earl of Athol upon a private quarrel, came hither, and had a great estate bestowed upon them by Henry III. of England; of which, in the reign of Edward II. a part was forfeited by the rebellion of Hugh, then chief of the family. Another tract near this, called the Rowe, belonged anciently to the Macguillers, but now to the McDonnells, earls of Antrim.
Upon the coast of this country are the promontories called by Ptolemy, Robogdium, Vennicinium, and Boraum, now Fair-Foreland, Ramshead, and St Helen's-head. The river also, styled by the same author Vidua, and now Croagh, runs thro' this country.—Here also is the remarkable natural curiosity called the Giant's-caulway; for a particular description of which see that article.