The Ould Lammas Fair 2023 FAQs
Tell me a little about the Ould Lammas Fair?
Ireland's oldest fair returns to the beautiful seaside resort of Ballycastle for another year of trading, bargaining and a programme packed with entertainment!
Sample the famous local favourite, Yellow Man or Dulce, and wander around the Naturally North Coast and Glen's Artisan Market, which features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts and fine art. Experience the hustle and bustle of the horse trading village, get a thrill on one of the many fun fair rides, or simply take in the atmosphere and local banter on the streets of Ballycastle!
Sticking with tradition, the main events will be held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August when the town is transformed by hundreds of stalls lining the streets, and visitors as far as the eye can see.
When does The Ould Lammas Fair take place?
This year’s event runs from Saturday 26th August through to Tuesday 29th August with a packed programme for you to enjoy.
What does the 2023 Ould Lammas Fair Programme look like?
SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST
11am - 2pm - Heavy Horse Show
Heavy Horse Show in Sheskburn Car Park followed by a Parade through the town
11am - 5pm - Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
Ballycastle Seafront
11am - 8pm - Amusements
Cullen's Amusements at the Seafront
2pm - 4pm - Vintage Vehicles Display
Vintage Vehicles Display at Dalriada Hospital Car Park followed by a parade through the town ending in Sheskburn Car Park
2pm - 11pm - Amusements
Cullen's Amusements at Quay Road Playing Fields
5pm - 8pm - Beach Races
Beach Races in conjunction with the RDA at Ballycastle Beach
5pm - 9pm - Seafront Entertainment
A range of musical acts performing on the Seafront Stage
7pm - 9pm - Twilight Market
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market will have its twilight market at the Seafront
SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST
11am - 5pm - Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
Ballycastle Seafront
11am - 8pm - Amusements
Cullen's Amusements at the Seafront
2pm - 11pm - Amusements
Cullen's Amusements at Quay Road Playing Fields
5pm - 9pm - Seafront Entertainment
A range of musical acts performing on the Seafront Stage
7pm - 9pm - Twilight Market
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market will have its twilight market at the Seafront
9pm - Fireworks
Spectacular firework display at Ballycastle Harbour
9.45pm - 11pm - Live Band
Cellar Door will be performing at the Diamond
MONDAY 28TH AUGUST
10am - 6pm - Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
Ballycastle Seafront
10am - 6pm - Horse Trading
Fairhill Street
10.30am - 11pm - Amusements
Cullen's amusements at Quay Road Playing Fields
11am - 5pm - Quay Road Playing Fields Family Entertainment and Rest Area
Circus Skills, Archery, Horseshoe Toss, Bottle Shy and Binevenagh Bushcraft
11am - Falconry
NI School of Falconry at the Seafront
11am - 6pm - Mobile Farm (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
Kidz Farm on Fairhill Street
11am - 6.30pm - Seafront Entertainment
A range of musical acts performing on the Seafront Stage
11am - 8pm - Amusements
Cullen's Amusements at the Seafront
12pm - 4pm - Fun With Drums
Ballycastle Seafront
12pm - 5pm - Horse Demonstrations
Horse Shoe and Farrier Demonstrations on Fairhill Street
12pm - 5pm - Pony Rides (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
RDA Pony Rides on Fairhill Street
TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST
10am - 5pm - Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
Ballycastle Seafront
10am - 6pm - Horse Trading
Fairhill Street
11am - 5pm - Quay Road Playing Fields Family Entertainment and Rest Area
Circus Skills, Archery, Horseshoe Toss, Bottle Shy and Binevenagh Bushcraft
11am - Falconry
NI School of Falconry at the Seafront
11am - 6pm - Mobile Farm (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
Kidz Farm on Fairhill Street
11am - 6.30pm - Seafront Entertainment
A range of musical acts performing on the Seafront Stage
11am - 8pm - Amusements
Cullen's Amusements at the Seafront
11am - 11pm - Amusements
Cullen's amusements at Quay Road Playing Fields
12pm - 4pm - Fun With Drums
Ballycastle Seafront
12pm - 5pm - Horse Demonstrations
Horse Shoe and Farrier Demonstrations on Fairhill Street
12pm - 5pm - Pony Rides (Quiet Time - 11am - 12pm)
RDA Pony Rides on Fairhill Street
PLEASE NOTE: All locations are subject to change
Where is the 2023 Event Office Located?
For 2023, the Event Office will be located in Castle Street Car Park.
Where are the toilets located?
Static public toilets are located at The Ferry Terminal Car Park, Marina Car Park, Tennis Courts and Market Street, Ballycastle. There will also be a number of portable toilets located throughout the main event space.
What disabled facilities are in place?
Disabled toilets are located at all the static toilets sites named above. There will also be disabled portaloos in the same places as standard portaloos throughout the site. Accessoloo will also be attending based at The Seafront on all 4 days and on Mill Street on Monday and Tuesday.
How can I get to Ballycastle via Public Transport?
There will be an enhanced Translink Ulsterbus service to Ballycastle. To ensure you get the most up to date information please visit www.translink.co.uk where you will find their live date journey planner.
Will I be redirected on approach to Ballycastle?
All motorists travelling to Ballycastle are asked to follow directional signage which will be in place to help alleviate any potential traffic congestion.
Will there be a park and ride?
A chargeable park and ride facility will operate on Monday 28th between 9am – 9pm and Tuesday 29th August between 9am – 7pm from the GAA Club on Whitepark Road. All buses are fully wheelchair accessible and the service will run approx. every 20 minutes at a cost of £5.
What public car parks will be open?
Parking at the Harbour is available but limited so it is advised that visitors use the Park & Ride.
Where can I find disabled car parking?
There will be limited disabled car parking at Market Street and The Marina Car Park. These are designated on a first come first served basis.
Which roads will be closed and during which times?
On Sunday 27th August a road closure will be in place from 7pm – midnight at The Diamond. PLEASE NOTE depending on attendance for the fireworks display on Sunday evening North Street may also close at short notice.
On Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th August, the road closure will be in place from 8am – 10pm. This is a full road closure on Quay Road from its junction with Mary Street to include Ann Street, The Diamond and Castle Street.
The roads adjoining Quay Road, Ann Street and Castle Street are also affected as follows (residents access only):
Beechwood Avenue from its junction of Strandview to Quay Road
Rathlin Road is closed from its junction with Atlantic Road to Quay Road
Market Street from its junction with Moyle Road to The Diamond
Clare Street from is junction with Market Street to Castle Street
Glentaisie Drive from its junction of Mill Street/Kilrea Road to junction of Castle Street
Mill Street from its junction of Glentaisie Drive/Kilrea Road to Fairhill Street.
NOTE: There will be a diversion route to facilitate traffic to the Seafront/Cushendall.
