Ballycastle’s Ould Lammas Fair offers four free days

Ballycastle’s Ould Lammas Fair returns from Saturday 22 August to Tuesday 25 August 2026, filling the town’s streets and seafront with four days of trading, music and family activities. Entry is free, and the public programme is aimed at residents, returning fairgoers, families and visitors to the Causeway Coast and Glens.

The programme moves between the seafront, The Diamond, Fairhill Street and other streets across Ballycastle. Causeway Coast and Glens Council says thousands of visitors are expected for an event that combines familiar fair traditions with markets, street food and live entertainment.

Heavy horses and fireworks open the fair

Saturday begins with the Heavy Horse Show and parade, alongside a Vintage Vehicle Display, street theatre, family activities and live music on the seafront. Fireworks over Ballycastle will bring the opening day’s programme to a close.

The mix gives Saturday a broad family focus: working horses and vintage vehicles provide the traditional spectacle, while the seafront programme adds music and performances throughout the day.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Dawn Huggins described the fair as part of Ballycastle’s identity, bringing together traditions, local traders, entertainment and activities for families. She said the programme is intended to welcome both people returning to a long-held family tradition and those attending for the first time.

Sunday music moves from the seafront to The Diamond

Live music continues on Sunday 23 August. Eoghan Quigg and Chloe Mac are scheduled to perform on the Seafront Music Stage, before Dusty Windowsills and All Folk’d Up play at The Diamond later in the day.

The Naturally North Coast & Glens Market will operate during the fair, bringing together artisan crafts, local produce and other goods. The Street Food Village and Family Fun Zone will also remain open late each night, extending the programme beyond the daytime displays and performances.

Food remains closely tied to the character of the Ould Lammas Fair. Visitors will find Yellow Man and dulse among the local favourites traditionally associated with the Ballycastle event, alongside the wider choice available in the Street Food Village.

Horse trading takes over Fairhill Street

The fair’s traditional trading becomes the main focus on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August. Hundreds of traders are expected to line Ballycastle’s streets, while Fairhill Street hosts the historic horse-trading tradition.

Horseshoe demonstrations, live music, busking stations and a mobile animal farm are also included across the final two days. This makes Monday and Tuesday the clearest choice for visitors primarily interested in the fair’s trading heritage, horses and street-based programme.

What visitors can confirm before travelling

The Ould Lammas Fair is a free public event across Ballycastle’s streets and seafront. No separate booking requirement is specified in the supplied event information.

Daily opening times and accessibility arrangements are not listed. The council directs visitors to the official Ould Lammas Fair programme for the full schedule, frequently asked questions and travel guidance before setting out.

Source: Causeway Coast and Glens Council News