Ould Lammas Fair returns to Ballycastle this August
They've got everything from Dulce to Yellow Man on offer 😍
Last updated 14th Jul 2022
The Ould Lammas Fair makes a welcome return to Ballycastle this year from Saturday 27th August – Tuesday 30th August.
Ireland's oldest fair has been taking over the seaside town on the last Monday and Tuesday of August since the 17th century.
Transformed with hundreds of stalls lining the streets, and visitors as far as the eye can see, this is a family festival you don't want to miss this summer.
A busy weekend to look forward to, highlights include the Heavy Horse Show, horse races on the beach (Saturday 27th) and an outdoor concert and fireworks display on Sunday night (August 28th).
You will find the traders from Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market 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 this inspiring artisan collective.
At Fairhill Street, the old tradition of horse trading continues as a reminder of the Fair’s historic origins, and here you can also enjoy pony rides with Riding for the Disabled and a petting farm featuring lots of furry friends and more.
Other attractions will include the popular family fun fair at Quay Road, children’s entertainment, and singing and music through the streets.
As the summer draws to a close, make sure you are there to enjoy this special spectacle for yourself.
Looking ahead to the event the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said: “The absence of the Ould Lammas Fair has been felt by many, and I am very pleased to see its return. Regarded as Ireland’s oldest fair, this event has been a feature of Ballycastle for centuries – it is engrained in the town’s history and continues to be a focal point of the summer season for so many people who come from near and far to be a part of it.
“The social side of it is very important to people, and for generations it has brought families, friends, and communities together. Thankfully these connections can be rekindled this year, and it will be a welcome sight to see thousands of visitors in Ballycastle once again, enjoying dulse, yellowman and everything else it has to offer.”
Take a look back at some of festival highlights 👇
Ciaron McKeown and Terry McNamarra selling yellowman at the Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle back in 2014
Dermot Mullan pictured at the Ould Lammas Fair in 2014
Crowds gather in the sunshine to celebrate 2014's Ould Lammas Fair
Horse traders pictured hanging around the trading area.
Sorcha, Terrence and Kay Donnelly from Donnelly's Family Butchers selling burgers at the Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle
Sinead Kelly paints the face of six-year-old Aoife Kennedy from Ballycastle.
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