Ould Lammas Fair 2026: Ballycastle road closures, parking and travel advice

The Ould Lammas Fair 2026 returns to Ballycastle from Saturday 22 to Tuesday 25 August. Visitors should expect road closures, limited parking and increased traffic throughout the bank holiday weekend.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Ballycastle as the historic Ould Lammas Fair returns for four days of traditional trading, live entertainment, family activities and horse trading.

The fair runs from Saturday 22 August until Tuesday 25 August 2026, with the traditional main fair days taking place on Monday and Tuesday.

You can view the official event information on the Causeway Coast and Glens visitor website.

Ould Lammas Fair 2026 dates

The fair takes place from:

• Saturday 22 August 2026
• Sunday 23 August 2026
• Monday 24 August 2026
• Tuesday 25 August 2026

The official tourism listing says the event is open from 10am until 10pm across the four days, although individual activities have their own times.

Visitors can find more information through the official Ould Lammas Fair page.

Saturday fireworks at Ballycastle Seafront

The event begins on Saturday 22 August with entertainment in Ballycastle and a fireworks display at the seafront.

The official programme confirms that the fireworks are among the opening weekend highlights.

Visitors heading into Ballycastle on Saturday evening should allow extra travel time because roads and parking areas are likely to be considerably busier than normal.

View the official Ould Lammas Fair programme

Sunday concert at The Diamond

On Sunday 23 August, live music will take place at The Diamond in Ballycastle, including a performance from All Folke’d Up.

Several roads surrounding The Diamond will close between 7pm and 11.59pm.

The closures include:

• The Diamond
• Ann Street from The Diamond towards Rathlin Road
• Castle Street from The Diamond towards Leyland Road
• Market Street from The Diamond towards Moyle Road
• Fairhill Street from The Diamond towards Mill Street

The closures have been published by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Major Ould Lammas Fair road closures on Monday and Tuesday

The largest traffic restrictions will be in place during the main fair days on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August.

Road closures are scheduled from 8am until 11pm on both days.

Affected roads include parts of:

• Quay Road
• Ann Street
• The Diamond
• Castle Street
• Beechwood Avenue
• Rathlin Road
• Market Street
• Clare Street
• Glentaisie Drive
• Mill Street
• Station Street
• Fairhill Street

The full official traffic order and list of closures can be viewed on the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council website.

Drivers should follow temporary signs and any directions provided by police, council officers or event staff.

Travelling to Ballycastle by bus

Visitors planning to use public transport should check their journey before leaving.

Translink operates services connecting Ballycastle with locations including Ballymena and Coleraine.

Useful travel links include:

• Translink Journey Planner
• Translink Ballycastle timetables
• Translink travel updates

Passengers should check for any temporary timetable or bus-stop changes before travelling.

What is happening at the Ould Lammas Fair?

The Ould Lammas Fair is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known traditional events and attracts thousands of visitors to Ballycastle.

This year’s programme includes traditional fair activities, local food, entertainment and horse trading.

Visitors can expect:

• Horse shows and traditional horse trading
• Market stalls
• Local food and produce
• Fairground attractions
• Family entertainment
• Traditional music
• Saturday fireworks
• Sunday live music
• Dulse and Yellow Man

The official tourism website describes the Ould Lammas Fair as Ireland’s oldest traditional fair.

A Causeway Coast and Glens summer guide also highlights horse shows, trading, fairground rides, dulse and traditional Yellow Man among the attractions.

Find out more about the Ould Lammas Fair

Useful Ould Lammas Fair links

For anyone planning to attend, the following official links may be useful:

• Ould Lammas Fair information: Visit Causeway Coast and Glens
• Full event listing: Ould Lammas Fair visitor listing
• Road closures: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
• Translink Journey Planner: Plan your journey
• Ballycastle bus timetables: Translink timetables
• Travel disruption: Translink service updates

Plan ahead before travelling to Ballycastle

Anyone attending the Ould Lammas Fair 2026 should allow extra time for their journey, particularly on Monday and Tuesday when extensive town-centre road closures will be in force.

Parking close to the event is also likely to fill quickly.

Visitors travelling from elsewhere in Northern Ireland may find public transport the easiest option. Check the Translink Journey Planner before setting off.

For the latest official event information, visit the Ould Lammas Fair website.

Heading to the Ould Lammas Fair? Share this guide with friends and family so they know about the road closures and travel arrangements before setting off.