Ould Lammas Fair

Every summer, thousands of visitors make their way to the beautiful seaside town of Ballycastle to experience the magic of the Ould Lammas Fair – Ireland’s oldest traditional fair, where heritage meets community spirit in an unforgettable celebration.

Traditionally held on the last bank holiday of the summer, the Ould Lamas Fair takes place on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th August, with exciting events leading up the fair on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24^th. The seaside town will be bustling with street trading, bargaining, traditional music, dancing, horse trading, artisan markets and much more.

Step into a world where horse trading still holds pride of place. Wander through the horse village and witness the tradition of deal-making and connect with local horsemen, hear their stories and witness a living tradition.

Meet the warm and welcoming people of Ballycastle, who give the fair its charm and heart. Chat with stallholders, sample local delicacies, and browse the artisan goods at the Naturally North Coast & Glens Market. From fresh local produce to quirky handmade crafts and fine art, every stall tells its own unique story.

The fun begins on Saturday 23rd August, with a spectacular fireworks display at Ballycastle Seafront at 9.30pm. On Sunday 24th August, don’t miss a live music concert at The Diamond, featuring the incredible Clada and Wolfhound Band – the perfect warm-up to the main event.

And of course, no trip to the Ould Lammas Fair is complete without tasting local favourites like Dulse and Yellow Man – the sweet, sticky treat that visitors have enjoyed for many generations.

Come for the tradition, stay for the people, the horses and the heart of Ballycastle.