Incorporated on 21st July 1845.
A 33 mile line built in the 5ft 3in gauge to run between the towns and with branches to Carrickfergus and Randalstown. It was later extended to Cookstown, and in 1860 the company name was changed to the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway. The company amalgamated with various other railways to form the Northern Counties Committee of the Midland Railway of England in 1903.
Capital £385,000 in 7,700 shares of £50 each. Loans of £128,333. Additional raised in 1853 of £192,500 in £25 shares.