Ould Lammas Fair, arguably Ireland’s oldest traditional fair, takes place from 23 to 26 August in Ballycastle, County Antrim, transforming the seaside town into a vibrant hub of trade, entertainment, and heritage. Held annually on the last Monday and Tuesday of August, with additional events over the preceding weekend, the fair celebrates the Lammas harvest festival, drawing thousands to its bustling streets. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Causeway Coast, the event offers a rich programme of activities that honour the region’s agricultural and cultural traditions, appealing to families, traders, and visitors from Ireland and beyond.
The 2025 fair begins on Saturday, 23 August, with live music and a fireworks display at 9pm on the seafront, marking the start of the festivities. Sunday features an outdoor concert at The Diamond, with performances by local bands, building on the success of acts like Ruaile Buaile in 2024. The main days, Monday and Tuesday, see Ballycastle’s streets lined with approximately 400 stalls along The Diamond, Castle Street, Ann Street, and Quay Road, offering traditional foods like yellowman, a honeycomb toffee, and dulse, an edible seaweed.
Fairhill Street hosts the historic horse-trading tradition, complemented by farrier displays, pony rides, and a petting farm. New for 2025, a beach dog agility display joins returning events like the heavy horse show and vintage tractor run. Family-friendly activities include fairground rides at Quay Road, street theatre, traditional music, and inclusive games like giant chess and connect 4 on Clare Street, with quiet times scheduled for those with additional needs. The Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market showcases local crafts and produce, while sand sculpting and face painting add to the festive atmosphere. Visitors should check www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com for updates, as outdoor events are weather-dependent, and coach services from various locations offer convenient access, with details at www.busestoconcerts.com.
Visitors can expect a welcoming environment in Ballycastle, a town known for its coastal charm and proximity to attractions like Rathlin Island and the Giant’s Causeway. The fair is free to enter, with affordable food and crafts, though cash is recommended for some stalls. The event’s inclusive offerings, such as sensory-friendly activities, ensure accessibility for all. Ballycastle’s local businesses, from cafes to pubs, provide ample dining options, and the Causeway Coast’s scenic walks offer a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty. Organisers advise early arrival for popular events like the horse-trading and concert, with parking available near the seafront.
The Ould Lammas Fair traces its origins to the 17th century, with records dating back to 1606 when Randall MacDonnell, First Earl of Antrim, secured a charter to hold six fairs annually at Dunaneeny Castle, one coinciding with the last Tuesday in August. Some suggest the fair’s roots lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Lughnasadh, honouring the harvest god Lugh and his foster mother Tailtiu, who died clearing land for crops. Initially a sheep market, the fair likely moved to its current location around The Diamond after the MacDonnells relocated to Dunluce and Glenarm Castles. Local tradition attributes its early growth to Sorley Boy MacDonnell, who may have ordered a celebration for his nephew, though this remains speculative. The fair’s fame was cemented by John Henry MacAuley, a local shopkeeper and fiddler, whose ballad “The Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle-O,” written before his death in 1937, celebrates its traditions. The fair continued through both world wars but was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is managed by a committee under the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with support from local businesses and volunteers, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of Antrim’s cultural calendar.
The fair’s nearly 400-year history reflects Ballycastle’s role as a trading hub for Irish and Scottish merchants, with goods like livestock, fish, and crafts historically exchanged. Its cultural significance is evident in traditions like yellowman production, pioneered by families like the Devlins in the early 1900s, and the 1979 visit of King Puck, a goat from Kerry’s Puck Fair, symbolising ties between Ireland’s oldest fairs. The 2025 fair will continue to blend heritage with modern entertainment, offering a unique experience that celebrates Ballycastle’s past and present. Visitors are encouraged to explore nearby historical sites, such as the Bonamargy Friary, to enrich their visit to this enduring festival.
