ANTRIM, the capital town of the county of An-
trim, in Ireland, seated at the north end of the lake
Lough Neagh, about six miles from the mouth of the
bay, having a good road before it, with a pier near
the place, within which vessels lie dry at low water.
It was anciently a borough of great consequence, as
appears from the mayor's being admiral of a consider-
able extent of coast, as well in Down as in this coun-
ty; the corporation enjoying the customs paid by all
vessels within those bounds, the creeks of Bangor and
Belfast only excepted. This grant, however, the crown
repurchased, and thereupon transferred the custom-
house to Belfast, to which town it is now much infe-
rior as well in size as in trade. It is, however, still a
place of note, and sends two members to the house of
commons. It gives the title of earl to the noble fam-
ily of M'Donnell.—At Antrim is a feat, with noble
demesnes, and beautiful and highly cultivated lands, of
the earl of Massareene. W. Long. 6. 26. N. Lat.
54. 45.