Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle 2026: Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens urges everone 'to soak up the atmosphere' of 400 year old tradition
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens has rolled out the welcome mat for everyone” to soak up the atmosphere” of the 2026 Ould Lammas Fair, starting tomorrow.
Widely regarded as the oldest traditional fair on the island of Ireland, starting some 400 years ago, it was originally formed around horse and livestock trading and remains one of Northern Ireland's most iconic events, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Famed for its festive spirit, the fair transforms the picturesque seaside town with hundreds of stalls lining the streets, live music, buskers and entertainment, gently marking the end of summer.
And no visit would be complete without sampling two local delicacies: Yellow Man and dulse.
Running over four days from 22–25 August, the festivities begin tomorrow, Saturday, with the ever-popular Heavy Horse Show and parade, vintage vehicle display, street theatre, family activities and live music on the seafront. The day will come to a spectacular close with the annual firework display over Ballycastle at 9.30pm.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, told the News Letter: “The Ould Lammas Fair is a very special part of Ballycastle’s heritage and one of the most anticipated events in our summer calendar. It’s a wonderful celebration of tradition, bringing together local traders, families, visitors and communities in a unique atmosphere that has been enjoyed by generations.
“As Mayor, I’m delighted to welcome everyone to Ballycastle for this year’s Fair. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or discovering the Ould Lammas Fair for the first time, I hope you have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere, support local businesses and enjoy everything this much-loved event has to offer.”
Throughout the fair, visitors can enjoy the Naturally North Coast & Glens Market, showcasing a range of artisan crafts, local produce and unique goods.
In addition, the Street Food Village and Family Fun Zone will remain open late each night.
On Sunday, the live music continues with Eoghan Quigg and Chloe Mac on the Seafront Music Stage. The evening then features live bands Dusty Windowsills and All Folk’d Up at The Diamond for a lively finish to the weekend.
The fair’s traditional trading takes centre stage on Monday and Tuesday, with hundreds of traders lining the streets of Ballycastle and Fairhill Street playing host to the historic horse-trading tradition.
Visitors can also enjoy horseshoe demonstrations, live music, busking stations and a mobile animal farm.
Meanwhile, police have asked road users to expect potential traffic delays in Ballycastle this weekend due to the fair.
On Sunday, road closures will be in place from 7pm until 11.59pm to facilitate the concert in The Diamond.
On Monday and Tuesday, road closures will be in place from 8am until 11pm each day.
Parking will be very limited, and police are asking visitors to preserve residents’ access to their homes.
The park-and-ride facility will operate on all days of the Fair from McQuillan GAC on Whitepark Road, at a cost of £10 per vehicle.
All buses are fully wheelchair accessible and the service will operate from Saturday to Tuesday, approximately every 20 minutes.
The drop-off point for Saturday and Sunday is the Rathlin Road/Atlantic Avenue junction, while Monday and Tuesday’s drop-off point is Leyland Road/Ramoan Road junction.
For more information see: www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/whats-on/ould-lammas-fair