The Ould Lammas Fair 2026 FAQs
Ireland's oldest fair returns to the beautiful seaside resort of Ballycastle for another year of traditional trading, family entertainment, and a packed programme of events!
When does The Ould Lammas Fair take place?
This year’s event runs from Saturday 22nd August through to Tuesday 25th August with a packed programme for you to enjoy.
Where can I find out what is happening?
Highlights of the 2026 programme include a fireworks display from 9.30pm at the Seafront on Saturday 22nd , a live music concert in The Diamond from 7.15pm on Sunday 23rd and the traditional fair days on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th. The full programme is available here: Lammas Programme poster web.pdf
Where is the 2026 Event Office Located?
For 2026, the Event Office will be located in Castle Street Car Park.
Is admission free?
Yes. Entry to The Ould Lammas Fair and the majority of entertainment is free to attend.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on a lead at all times. Please be aware that large crowds, loud music and fireworks may not be suitable for some animals. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Where are the toilets located?
Static public toilets are located at The Ferry Terminal Car Park, Marina Car Park, Tennis Courts and Market Street. There will also be a number of portable toilets located throughout the main event space such as on Fairhill Street, at our park and ride station and at the entrance to Quay Road among others.
What disabled facilities are in place?
Disabled toilets are located at all the static toilet sites named above. There will also be accessible portaloos on the entrance to Quay Road, the seafront green and on Market Street. A Mobile Accessible Changing Unit (MACU) will also be attending based at the seafront and The Diamond on Monday and Tuesday.
How can I get to Ballycastle via Public Transport?
Translink has advised that additional bus services will operate to/from Ballycastle for this year’s Lammas Fair, which take place between Saturday 22nd and Tuesday 25th August.
This includes enhancements to regular Ulsterbus services including the 171, 172, 178, 131 and 402 on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th August.
Translink has also partnered with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to provide Frequent Park and Ride shuttle buses from McQuillan GAC car park in Ballycastle for the duration of the Lammas Fair.
Passengers should be aware that there will be changes to bus stops at Marine Corner and Market Street during the four-day event.
Due to the high number of passengers expected, services may be busier than usual, so please allow extra time for your journey. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check the latest timetables, fares and live travel updates before travelling using Translink's online 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 park and ride facility will operate on all days of the Fair from the McQuillan GAC on Whitepark Road. Cost per vehicle is £10. All buses are fully wheelchair accessible and the service will operate from Saturday to Tuesday, approximately every 20 minutes. Saturday 2.00pm to 10.30pm, Sunday 2.00pm to 11.45pm, Monday and Tuesday 10.00am to 10.00pm both days. Drop off point for Saturday and Sunday is the Rathlin Road/Atlantic Avenue junction. Monday and Tuesday drop off point is Leyland Road/Ramaon Road junction.
Where can I park?
Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport and the Park & Ride service as parking will be limited during the fair.
Where can I find disabled car parking?
Limited Blue Badge parking is available at Market Street, the Harbour Car Park and North Street on a first come, first served basis. Please note that all Park & Ride buses are wheelchair accessible.
Which roads will be closed and during which times?
Temporary road closures and traffic management measures will be in place throughout the event to ensure public safety.
Sunday 23 August
Road closures will be in place from 7:00pm – midnight at The Diamond.
Monday 24 August and Tuesday 25 August
Road closures will be in place from 8:00am – 11:00pm. 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.
Station Street and Fairhill Street from their junction with The Diamond/Castle Street.
NOTE: There will be a diversion route to facilitate traffic to the Seafront/Cushendall.
Is the event accessible for wheelchair users?
Most areas of the event are accessible, however due to the historic street layout and large visitor numbers, some areas may become congested during peak times.
Are drones permitted?
No, the use of drones within or over event site is prohibited unless authorised by the event organisers, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
Will there be amusements this year?
Yes, amusements will be located along the seafront and will be open during the following times:
Friday 21st August - 7pm - 11pm.
Saturday 22nd - Tuesday 25th August - 11am - 11pm.
