Toome

Toome, often called Toomebridge, is a village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, situated at the point where the River Bann drains Lough Neagh. The settlement takes its name from the Irish Tuaim and developed around a historic river crossing and the bridge that links the Antrim and County Londonderry sides of the Bann.

Historically Toome has been associated with inland fisheries, particularly eel fishing on Lough Neagh and the Bann, and the local economy has long included agriculture, small-scale industry and services supporting surrounding rural communities. The village grew as a local market and transport node because of its strategic crossing point; the bridge and nearby road links provide access to larger towns in the region.

The surrounding wetlands and shoreline of Lough Neagh are noted for wildlife, attracting birdwatchers and anglers. Local institutions typically include primary education, community and sports clubs, and small businesses; residents also commute to larger urban centres for employment. Architectural and landscape features reflect both 19th-century development around the bridge and more recent housing and community facilities.

Toome’s identity is shaped by its riverside setting, fishing traditions and role as a rural service centre. It is represented in regional governance structures and participates in cultural and environmental initiatives connected to Lough Neagh and the Bann, but retains the character of a small Northern Irish village with strong local ties.