Larne Museum and Arts Centre

Old town items. larnerenovationgeneration (Atlas Obscura User)

Larne is steeped in history. The area is where some of Ireland’s earliest inhabitants first settled. Thousands of years later, Larne became the first town in Northern Ireland to have its streets lit with electricity.

You can learn all about the town’s past in the Larne Museum and Arts Centre, which was built in 1905. A century later, it was transformed into a home for many historical artifacts that help inform visitors about this small town’s incredible history.

The town has a rich maritime and military past. The museum’s library holds many exhibitions about these pieces of Larne’s history, including one on the tragedy of the Princess Victoria, which at the time was the deadliest maritime disaster to happen in Great Britain’s waters after World War II. There’s also information about the Larne gun-running, a huge gun smuggling operation.

In addition to showcasing exhibits that highlight the accounts and memories of local people during historical events, the center also focuses on the present. It’s a community hub, a place where many historical, art, and drama groups go for their meetings and activities.

The building has also been recently restored which brings out its original historical and architectural attributes. It’s hard not to be impressed by this beautiful structure and the treasures it holds inside.

Know Before You Go

The museum is very easy to find, as it is just one street over from Larne Main Street. The best way to get there is either traveling by bus or boat or train to Larne Town and then walking over to Victoria Road or by driving down the A8 to Larne Town and then turning off at Pound Street and then continuing onto Victoria Road. There is also pay and display car parking available next to the museum. Note: Visit the Larne Visitor Centre before or after your visit to the Museum.