Largest Cities in Northern Ireland

Top 46 cities ranked by largest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Highest Home Value Most Affordable Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · United Kingdom · Northern Ireland

Largest Cities — Northern Ireland

1 Belfast 348,005

2 Londonderry County Borough 87,153

3 Derry 83,652

4 Lisburn 77,506

5 Newtownabbey 63,860

6 Bangor 61,011

7 Craigavon 59,236

8 Castlereagh 56,679

9 Newtownards 29,363

10 Carrickfergus 29,208

11 Ballymena 28,932

12 Newry 27,757

13 Coleraine 25,681

14 Portadown 22,000

15 Omagh 21,056

16 Antrim 19,661

17 Larne 18,421

18 Banbridge 16,173

19 Armagh 14,801

20 Enniskillen 14,472

21 Strabane 14,198

22 Dundonald 13,985

23 Holywood 13,109

24 Limavady 12,970

25 Dungannon 11,935

26 Cookstown 11,081

27 Downpatrick 10,507

28 Ballymoney 9,625

29 Ballyclare 9,472

30 Comber 9,190

31 Magherafelt 9,157

32 Portstewart 8,394

33 Carryduff 7,798

34 Warrenpoint 7,670

35 Newcastle 7,444

36 Donaghadee 7,369

37 Portrush 6,684

38 Kilkeel 6,447

39 Coalisland 6,323

40 Ballynahinch 5,701

41 Dromore 5,641

42 Ballycastle 5,566

43 Jordanstown 5,494

44 Randalstown 5,378

45 Crumlin 5,149

46 Greenisland 5,073

The largest cities in Northern Ireland represent major centers of economic activity, cultural influence, and population growth. Belfast leads with a population of 348,005, followed by Londonderry County Borough and Derry. These cities serve as hubs for employment, education, and innovation, attracting residents from across the country and around the world.

Population size is a key indicator of a city's economic influence and infrastructure capacity. Larger cities typically offer more diverse job markets, extensive public transit systems, and a wider range of cultural amenities. NIR dominates the top 10 with 10 cities on the list, reflecting the state's strong economic pull and quality of life.

While large populations bring economic advantages, they also present challenges including higher costs of living, traffic congestion, and housing affordability concerns. Many of these cities have experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by job opportunities in technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Did You Know?

1. Belfast's population is larger than that of many small nations.
2. NIR has 10 cities in the top 10, more than any other state.
3. The top 5 cities combined have a population of 660,176.

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