The Ould Lammas Fair is a traditional fair held in Ballycastle, County Antrim every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of August.
It is associated with the Lammas harvest festival. The event has been running for nearly 400 years, dating back to the 17th century!
Some say that it started out as a sheep market, others that it originated when Sorley Boy MacDonnell ordered a celebration for his nephew. Either way it grew and migrated to Ballycastle. Whether or not today's event is because Sorley Boy ordered it up, Lammastide celebrations have a long history in Ireland.
Lammas, also called "Lughnasad", was an ancient celebration of the first harvest, and honoured the grain harvests, as well as the gods and goddesses of death and resurrection. Lughnasadh - meaning "festival of Lugh" - or Lammas - meaning "festival of the loaves".
Ireland’s oldest traditional fair will see thousands of people flock to the seaside town to celebrate its culture, heritage, music and agricultural traditions over a four-day event not to be missed, from Saturday 26th to Tuesday 27th August.
Sticking with tradition, the main events are held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August, when the town is transformed by hundreds of stalls lining the streets and visitors as far as the eye can see.
Building the momentum up to the fair days, there is a always a jam-packed weekend of activity to look forward to - on Saturday the annual Heavy Horse Show including the horse parade took place in the town, as well as horse races on the beach! Fairground rides, live music, entertainment and market stalls selling favourites such as dulse, yellowman, and much more have been enjoyed by many from near and far.
A fantastic fireworks display is set to light up the sky to mark the start of the traditional fair tonight (Sunday 27th) from 9pm, followed by an outdoor concert at The Diamond.
Crafters and traders from Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market will be at the seafront, bringing together an array of fresh food, local produce, tasty treats, and handmade arts and crafts – enjoy a browse and meet the makers behind the products as well as experiencing an extended Twilight Market over the weekend.
Talking earlier this week, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan, said:
“The Ould Lammas Fair has been a staple of Ballycastle for centuries – it is engrained in the town’s history and continues to be a focal point of the year’s tourism calendar.
“This fantastic event holds a very special place in the hearts of local people, as well as in the hearts of the many thousands who come from far and wide to be a part of it each and every year. For generations, the Ould Lammas Fair has brought families, friends and communities together and I look forward to seeing the town full of people enjoying dulse, yellowman and everything else it has to offer.”
The event’s historic origins will be celebrated at Fairhill Street, where traditional horse trading will continue. The popular family funfair at Quay Road will provide lots of entertainment alongside live music, amusements, street theatre, and dance throughout the streets of Ballycastle. Quiet times will be available for those with additional needs at a selection of activities.
SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST
• Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
11am - 5pm | Ballycastle Seafront
• Amusements
11am - 8pm | Cullen's Amusements at the Seafront
• Amusements
2pm - 11pm | Cullen's Amusements at Quay Road Playing Fields
• Seafront Entertainment
5pm - 9pm | A range of musical acts performing on the Seafront Stage
• Twilight Market
7pm - 9pm | Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market will have its twilight market at the Seafront
• Fireworks
9pm | Spectacular firework display at Ballycastle Harbour
• Live Band
9.45pm - 11pm | Cellar Door will be performing at the Diamond
MONDAY 28TH AUGUST
• Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
10am - 6pm | Ballycastle Seafront
• Horse Trading
10am - 6pm | Fairhill Street
• Amusements
10.30am - 11pm | Cullen's amusements at Quay Road Playing Fields
• Quay Road Playing Fields Family Entertainment and Rest Area
11am - 5pm | Circus Skills, Archery, Horseshoe Toss, Bottle Shy and Binevenagh Bushcraft
• Falconry
11am | NI School of Falconry at the Seafront
• Mobile Farm (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
11am - 6pm | Kidz Farm on Fairhill Street
• Seafront Entertainment
11am - 6.30pm | A range of musical acts performing on the Seafront Stage
• Amusements
11am - 8pm | Cullen's Amusements at the Seafront
• Fun With Drums
12pm - 4pm | Ballycastle Seafront
• Horse Demonstrations
12pm - 5pm | Horse Shoe and Farrier Demonstrations on Fairhill Street
• Pony Rides (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
12pm - 5pm | RDA Pony Rides on Fairhill Street
TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST
• Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
10am - 5pm | Ballycastle Seafront
• Horse Trading
10am - 6pm | Fairhill Street
• Quay Road Playing Fields Family Entertainment and Rest Area
11am - 5pm | Circus Skills, Archery, Horseshoe Toss, Bottle Shy and Binevenagh Bushcraft
• Falconry
11am | NI School of Falconry at the Seafront
• Mobile Farm (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
11am - 6pm | Kidz Farm on Fairhill Street
• Seafront Entertainment
11am - 6.30pm | A range of musical acts performing on the Seafront Stage
• Amusements
11am - 8pm | Cullen's Amusements at the Seafront
• Amusements
11am - 11pm | Cullen's amusements at Quay Road Playing Fields
• Fun With Drums
12pm - 4pm | Ballycastle Seafront
• Horse Demonstrations
12pm - 5pm | Horse Shoe and Farrier Demonstrations on Fairhill Street
• Pony Rides (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
12pm - 5pm | RDA Pony Rides on Fairhill Street
PLEASE NOTE: All locations are subject to change
Lammas Fair 2023 FAQ’s
Where are the toilets located?
Static public toilets are located at The Ferry Terminal Car Park, Marina Car Park, Tennis Courts and Market Street, Ballycastle. There will also be a number of portable toilets located throughout the main event space.
What disabled facilities are in place?
Disabled toilets are located at all the static toilets sites named above. There will also be disabled portaloos in the same places as standard portaloos throughout the site. Accessoloo will also be attending based at The Seafront on all 4 days and on Mill Street on Monday and Tuesday.
How can I get to Ballycastle via Public Transport?
There will be an enhanced Translink Ulsterbus service to Ballycastle. To ensure you get the most up to date information please visit www.translink.co.uk where you will find their live date journey planner.
Will I be redirected on approach to Ballycastle?
All motorists travelling to Ballycastle are asked to follow directional signage which will be in place to help alleviate any potential traffic congestion.
Will there be a park and ride?
A chargeable park and ride facility will operate on Monday 28th between 9am – 9pm and Tuesday 29th August between 9am – 7pm from the GAA Club on Whitepark Road. All buses are fully wheelchair accessible and the service will run approx. every 20 minutes at a cost of £5.
What public car parks will be open?
Parking at the Harbour is available but limited so it is advised that visitors use the Park & Ride.
Where can I find disabled car parking?
There will be limited disabled car parking at Market Street and The Marina Car Park. These are designated on a first come first served basis.
Which roads will be closed and during which times?
On Sunday 27th August a road closure will be in place from 7pm – midnight at The Diamond. PLEASE NOTE depending on attendance for the fireworks display on Sunday evening North Street may also close at short notice.
On Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th August, the road closure will be in place from 8am – 10pm. This is a full road closure on Quay Road from its junction with Mary Street to include Ann Street, The Diamond and Castle Street.
The roads adjoining Quay Road, Ann Street and Castle Street are also affected as follows (residents access only):
Beechwood Avenue from its junction of Strandview to Quay Road
Rathlin Road is closed from its junction with Atlantic Road to Quay Road
Market Street from its junction with Moyle Road to The Diamond
Clare Street from is junction with Market Street to Castle Street
Glentaisie Drive from its junction of Mill Street/Kilrea Road to junction of Castle Street
Mill Street from its junction of Glentaisie Drive/Kilrea Road to Fairhill Street.
NOTE: There will be a diversion route to facilitate traffic to the Seafront/Cushendall