Pony trots through popular Ballycastle hotel ahead of Ould Llamas Fair
Last updated 25th Aug 2023
Ireland’s oldest traditional fair will see thousands of people flock to the seaside town of Ballycastle this weekend, to celebrate its culture, heritage, music and agricultural traditions.
As the atmosphere starts to build in the town, locals had quite a surprise this week, when a rogue pony strutted into the main reception of the Marine Hotel.
The team couldn’t believe their eyes, they swiftly checked the CCTV cameras and shared a clip on socials.
Speaking to Cool FM and Downtown Radio, Connlith Magee, Marketing Manager for the Marine Hotel Ballycastle commented: The Lammas Fair is the oldest traditional fair on the Island of Ireland dating back as far as the 17th Century.
“The main tradition of the Auld Lammas Fair is horse trading which takes place down Fairhill street each year. Whilst the video has an element of humour around it, it is also a reminder of what the fair is all about."
Check it out 👇
“There is a huge buzz about Ballycastle with entertainment on in the hotel," continues Connlith. "There's lots happening throughout the town with amusements, trading and plenty of Dulse & Yellowman!
“As times change, traditions get forgotten about, it is important to remember what it's really all about.”
There is a jam-packed weekend of activity to look forward to in Ballycastle, with events such as the heavy horse show, horse races on the beach, fairground rides, live music, entertainment, market stalls selling favourites such as dulse, yellowman and much more.
A fantastic fireworks display will light up the sky to mark the start of the traditional fair on Sunday 27th from 9pm, followed by an outdoor concert at The Diamond.
Looking ahead to the event, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan, shared in a statement: “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.”
Check out some pics from previous years:
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.
Read more:
Cian Ducrot to support The Killers at Belfast Vital next month
N-Dubz at CHSq: Everything you need to know before you go