| THE town of LARNE, or as it was anciently caller INVER, is situated on a Lough of the same name. Its trade is of importance, the chief articles of commerce being Linen, Rock-salt and Limestone. The population may be considered about 3,000. On the peninsula of the Curraàn stands the interesting Ruin of OLDERFLEET CASTLE, with which some historical records are connected, it being here that Edward Bruce effected his landing, in 1315, with the expectation of making himself King of Ireland, and was the cause of dreadful calamities, particularly to English settlers. At Olderfleet will be found a ferry-boat, plying regularly between that point and ISLAND-MAGEE, which abounds with much interest to the geologist. Having landed, the tourist should visit the curious Druidical cromlech, called the “Rocking-Stone,” or “Giants cradle,” which was said to acquire a rocking tremulous motion at the approach of sinners or malefactors; and was so ingeniously poised, that the slightest impulse was capable of rocking a mass which the greatest strength could not dislodge. About two miles farther, are the stupendous basaltic cliffs, called Gobbins, upwards of 200 feet high. In the distance, are the once-dangerous rocks, “the Maidens,” where many a brave vessel has gone down; but of late, two handsome and beautifully appointed light-houses have been erected, which beside being of the greatest utility to shipping, forms a fine subject for the artist’s pencil. [p. 26] |
