And some of our famous sons and daughters are also renowned far beyond the north coast – whether it’s in the world of sport, entertainment or music.
Here’s 25 famous people from the Causeway Coast and Glens area. Who else would you include?
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9. Robert Dunlop
Robert Dunlop's first win was at Fore, Co. Westmeath, in 1980. Two years later, he won the 125cc race at the Mid-Antrim 150. His local success attracted the attention of major teams and, in 1990, he signed for JPS Norton. Robert was outstanding on a 125cc bike. At the peak of his career, he dominated this class for two consecutive years, beating all challengers at the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and Isle of Man TT in 1990 & 1991. In 1994, Robert suffered the crash that would end his chance of fulfilling his potential as a world champion. It was two years before he raced again. Overcoming terrible injuries, Robert showed the determination that made him such a hero to so many. He was back on the podium by the end of the season. Robert's last major win was at the North West 200 in 2006. This was his 15th victory at the circuit and he remains the most successful rider at the Triangle. Tragically, it was also here that Robert was killed during practice on Thursday, 15 May 2008. Photo: s
10. James Young
Northern Ireland comedian Jimmy Young was born in Ballymoney. At the age of 15, he began his stage career. He joined a theatre company and moved to England. By 1949, he was back home and had a big hit as Derek, the window cleaner, in a BBC radio show called ‘The McCooeys' . This launched Jimmy as a local star and he was soon writing his own comedy shows and filling theatres across the country. Jimmy was offered his own radio show, ‘The Young Idea’. He invented new characters, such as Wee Ernie, from the Belfast Shipyard, Mrs. O’Condriac, who was always ill, and Wee Sammy, the naughty boy. He toured theatres all over Ireland, Canada and America, sold thousands of records and had his own television show. Jimmy Young died of a heart attack on 5 July 1974. Photo: s
11. Bertie Peacock
Bertie Peacock was born in Coleraine in September 1928. He worked as a plumber whilst playing football with Glentoran, before signing for Celtic in May 1949. What he lacked in stature, he made up for in work rate. This industrious style cured him the nickname of “The Little Ant”. Bertie Peacock earned 31 caps for Northern Ireland, and whilst managing the team in 1964, he gave an international debut to George Best against Wales. A statue of Peacock was unveiled in Coleraine by former NI and Spurs goalkeeper Pat Jennings, who also gained his first Northern Ireland cap under Peacock in that same match. Jennings said that taking part in the ceremony was one of the biggest honours of his career. Photo: s
12. George Shiels
Ballymoney's George Shiels was a poet, author and playwright whose works including Bedmates and The New Gossoon were regularly produced at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and even appeared on Broadway. Photo: Picture courtesy of Ballymoney Museum