h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Any suggestions here would be welcome. Co. Antrim, A6109508 , is the basis for an Antrim edited guide entry.

But it's the bare bones - there needs to be more. The trouble is I'm not sure what more to include and what to leave out. One thing for sure is that the History section is woefully inadequate.

Are there any other things that you feel should be included?

Cheers,

SB

I'll give it a closer look over the weekend.

I'll have a wee look for you too if it'll help. I only live a few miles from the north Antrim coast, so I know it quite well.

Good stuff, thanks!

SB

I hope I won't let you down.....

Kingdom of Dalriada might be worth a google.

Plus the Ulster-Scots connection is very strong in them there parts...

The first people came to Ireland in about 8000 BC, soon after the melting of the ice-sheet which had almost completely covered Ireland. The first people to inhabit Ireland were called Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age. They were hunter gatherers, nomadic people who used flint spear heads, arrow heads and knives to hunt, kill and skin animals. Remains of these people are particularly common in Antrim, perhaps because flint is very common there.

In about 4000 BC, farming was introduced to Ireland, and many other innovations occurred as well, suggesting the arrival of a new race of people. These Neolithic or New Stone Age people lived in one place in settled communities, and bred animals and raised crops in clearings in the primeval forest. They had a better type of tool, the porcellanite polished stone axe, which were used for cutting down trees and many other tasks. The main source of the porcellanite, a hard easily polished black stone, was a quarry at Tievebulliagh, Co Antrim. Axes made from stone from this quarry have been found as far away as London and Shetland.

Hi Bomba.

Most of the county entries have the average house price. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/uk_house_prices/html/houses.stm

You could mention local government? And the county's MPs?

I don't like to dwell on it too much, but any notable incidents during the Troubles probably should be included.

Famous residents:

Willie John McBride - Ireland and Lions Captain 1974. (The '99' call was made by McBride)
Liam Neeson - Actor.
Joey Dunlop - 26 IOM TT wins, 5 time world champion.
Tony McCoy - 8 times Champion Jockey.
Terence O'Neill - Decendant of the O'Neill Clan - Shane O'Neill.
Sir George Stuart White and his son Jack White.

And a few others I'm sure. I've left out people from Belfast. Oh and Susan Kennedy from Neighbours of course!

The Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle? Excuse the (probably) incorrect spelling.

Slemish Mountain - St Patrick etc? The Antrim Plateau? Royal Portrush Golf Club?

You could expand on Rathlin by mentioning Robert The Bruce, the spider story etc.

The United Irishmen occupied Antrim town and Ballymena during the 1798 Rebellion.

How can you write "The Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle" without putting "-O" on the end?

I want some Yellow Man now.

"Originally the bridge was more open than it is now, with a view of the sea below if you dared to look through the planks beneath your feet."

It was worse than that!

Originally the bridge was more open than it is now, with a view of the sea below if you dared to look through the planks beneath your feet, and a 'handrail' rope on only one side.

Source - Gnomon's father, from a visit in 1934.

My mother bravely crossed it while pregnant with yours truly!

(1961 before anyone asks)

Don't forget to put in Finn McCool and the Scottish giant (sorry, can't remember his name) and the big fight they had.

And what bout putting in links to the touristy websites with pictures etc? I'll see what I can find. I've a couple on my ps if it helps.

Belfast pictures: http://www.russvitale.com/photos/DublinBelfast/

And Titanc (built in Belfast don't forget): http://www.titanic.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=833

Tourism: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Royal Portrush: http://www.royalportrushgolfclub.com/

The Troubles: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/troubles/ or http://www.britains-smallwars.com/ni/

County Antrim:http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant00.htm or http://www.countyantrim.com/

Hope some of these are of use.

Shopping at Junction One - NI's only outlet mall (I think...)

Oh, and BBC1, 10.45 Wednesday looks like it might be worth watching

Ooo, what's ok?

Plenty of stuff to incorporate now,

Woohoo!!!