The River Bann: Not in Antrim

Geography Corrected

The River Bann (Northern Ireland's longest river at 129 km) does not flow through County Antrim. Its course:

• Upper Bann: Rises in Mourne Mountains (County Down) → flows northwest through County Armagh → enters Lough Neagh.
• Lower Bann: Exits Lough Neagh at Toome (County Londonderry) → flows north through County Londonderry → enters Atlantic at Castlerock (County Londonderry).

Counties Touched

County Down (source), County Armagh, County Londonderry (majority of length), County Tyrone (briefly, near Lough Neagh western shore).

Why the Confusion?

• Antrim borders Londonderry; Bann forms part of the Londonderry/Antrim boundary only near the mouth (Articlave/Castlerock area) — but the river itself is in Londonderry.
• Bush River, Sixmilewater, and Main River are Antrim's major rivers.

Key Features

• Lough Neagh (largest lake in UK/Ireland) — Bann is its only outflow.
• Salmon fishery (historic, now catch-and-release).
• Canalised sections (Lower Bann navigation).
• Hydroelectric at Kilrea.