Heading to the Ould Lammas Fair? Road closures and travel advice confirmed

Motorists heading to Ballycastle for this weekend’s Ould Lammas Fair are being urged to plan ahead, with major road closures, limited parking and changes to bus stops expected as thousands of visitors arrive in the town.

The PSNI has confirmed traffic restrictions across the four-day event, running from Saturday 22 to Tuesday 25 August, including extensive closures on Sunday evening and throughout Monday and Tuesday.

Visitors are being strongly encouraged to consider public transport or the dedicated park-and-ride service, which will operate throughout the fair from McQuillan GAC on Whitepark Road.

Translink is also putting on additional bus services, including enhancements to a number of regular Ulsterbus routes on the two main traditional fair days.

Saturday fireworks expected to bring extra traffic

The Ould Lammas Fair programme begins on Saturday from 11am, with events taking place across Ballycastle throughout the day.

One of Saturday’s biggest attractions will be the fireworks display at the seafront at 9.30pm, and police have warned motorists to expect potential delays in the town before, during and after the display.

Saturday’s programme also includes the Heavy Horse Show and parade, vintage vehicles, live music, street theatre, the Naturally North Coast & Glens Market, Street Food Village and Family Fun Zone.

Sunday night road closures for Diamond concert

A number of roads will close on Sunday 23 August from 7pm until 11.59pm to facilitate live music at The Diamond.

The closures include:

• Ann Street to Rathlin Road

• Castle Street to Leyland Road

• Market Street to Moyle Road

• Fairhill Street to Mill Street

The Sunday evening programme at The Diamond features Dusty Windowsills from 7.15pm to 8.30pm, followed by All Folk’d Up from 9pm to 10.30pm.

Drivers travelling through Ballycastle on Sunday evening should allow additional time and follow any signed diversions.

Major closures on Monday and Tuesday

The most extensive traffic restrictions will coincide with the traditional fair and street trading on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August.

Road closures will operate from 8am until 11pm on both days.

During those hours, the following will be closed:

• Quay Road from its junction with Mary Street

• Ann Street

• The Diamond

• Castle Street to its junction with Leyland Road

A number of adjoining roads will also be affected, with access mainly restricted to local residents.

Signed local diversion routes will operate where required, while police officers will be on the ground to assist with the large volume of visitors expected.

The PSNI is asking road users to follow the diversions for their own safety and that of others.

Parking limited – vehicles could be towed

Parking is expected to be very limited throughout all four days, and police are asking visitors to be considerate of people living and working in Ballycastle.

Motorists should ensure residential and commercial properties remain fully accessible.

The PSNI has warned that vehicles blocking routes or access to homes and businesses will be towed where necessary.

Limited Blue Badge parking will be available on a first come, first served basis at:

• Market Street

• Harbour Car Park

• North Street

With pressure on town-centre parking expected to be significant, visitors are being encouraged to leave the car outside the centre where possible.

£10 park-and-ride operating throughout fair

A dedicated park-and-ride facility will operate on all four days from McQuillan GAC on Whitepark Road.

The service costs £10 per vehicle, with buses operating approximately every 20 minutes.

All buses used for the service are fully wheelchair accessible.

There are different drop-off points depending on which day visitors attend.

On Saturday and Sunday, buses will drop passengers at the Rathlin Road/Atlantic Avenue junction.

On Monday and Tuesday, the drop-off point moves to the Leyland Road/Ramoan Road junction.

Translink is providing the frequent shuttle service in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Extra Ulsterbus services for Ballycastle

People travelling from further afield will also have additional public transport options.

Translink has confirmed enhanced regular Ulsterbus services to and from Ballycastle on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August, including services 171, 172, 178, 131 and 402.

Passengers should also be aware that bus stops at Marine Corner and Market Street will change during the four-day event.

Anyone planning to travel by bus is advised to check their journey before setting off using the Translink Journey Planner app or website.

The combination of road closures, restricted parking and the large number of people expected means those travelling to Ballycastle should allow additional time, particularly around Saturday night’s fireworks, Sunday’s concert and during the traditional fair on Monday and Tuesday.

Visitors who can use public transport or park-and-ride will avoid the greatest pressure on town-centre parking, while anyone who does drive should pay close attention to temporary signs and police directions.

The full Ould Lammas Fair programme and visitor information is available here.

OULD LAMMAS FAIR 2026 — QUICK TRAVEL GUIDE

When: Saturday 22 – Tuesday 25 August

Where: Ballycastle

• Saturday: Fireworks at the seafront 9.30pm — expect delays before and afterwards.

• Sunday: Road closures 7pm–11.59pm around The Diamond for the evening concert.

• Monday & Tuesday: Major town-centre road closures 8am–11pm each day.

• Parking: Very limited throughout all four days. Vehicles blocking roads or property access may be towed.

• Blue Badge parking: Limited spaces at Market Street, Harbour Car Park and North Street, first come, first served.

• Park & Ride: McQuillan GAC, Whitepark Road — £10 per vehicle, operating Saturday–Tuesday approximately every 20 minutes. Buses are wheelchair accessible.

• Park & Ride drop-off: Sat/Sun — Rathlin Road/Atlantic Avenue. Mon/Tues — Leyland Road/Ramoan Road.

• Public transport: Extra Translink services on Monday and Tuesday, including enhancements to 171, 172, 178, 131 and 402.

• Bus stop changes: Marine Corner and Market Street will be affected during the fair.

BEST ADVICE: Leave extra time, use public transport or Park & Ride where possible, and follow temporary signs and police directions.