Ould Lammas Fair 2025: Ballycastle set for Bank Holiday Weekend of tradition, music, and food
- Love Ballymena
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Pictured at the launch of the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle are local photographer Conor Edgell and his daughter, feeding the alpacas.
Ballycastle is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair, Ireland’s oldest traditional fair, running from Saturday 23rd to Tuesday 26th August.
The much-loved annual event will return with a refreshed look and a brand-new layout this year, due to the ongoing construction of the new Ballycastle Leisure Centre on Quay Road.
Organisers say the changes will add “exciting new experiences” to the festival while retaining all the classic attractions.
Visitors can expect a packed programme featuring live music, street food, artisan markets, parades, horse trading, and traditional local treats.
Highlights and traditions
Pictured alongside Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan at the launch of the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle are (l-r) Conor Edgell, local photographer; Shauna McFall, Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market; Alastair Crown, Corndale Farm; and Niall McGinn, Dundarave Estate.
The festivities kick off on Saturday 23rd August with the heavy horse show and parade at 1pm, followed by the vintage vehicle and tractor run at 3pm.
The seafront will once again host the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market, open every day from 11am–5pm, showcasing around 60 small businesses offering handcrafted goods, unique artwork, and local artisan food.
This year introduces a ‘Street Food Village’, serving everything from classic yellow man and dulce to hearty burgers, pizzas, crepes, and hog roast.
On Saturday evening, food lovers can enjoy a Street Food Market from 7pm–10pm, with another session on Sunday from 7pm–9pm. The seafront will also host sand sculpting competitions, dog agility displays, children’s amusements, and live music across the weekend.
Live entertainment
Pictured at the launch of the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle are Fiona Kee with her pony Wendy Woo from Miss Poppy and friends.
Saturday night brings The Electric Hoe Down to the Seafront stage at 8pm, with Downtown’s Neal McClelland and Jason Hughes delivering a unique mash-up of modern country and clubland rave. The night will be capped by the opening fireworks display at 9.30pm.
Sunday 24th features the outdoor concert at The Diamond from 7pm, with Irish dance music band Clada supporting headline act Wolfhound — known for their electrifying fusion of traditional and modern Irish folk.
Monday and Tuesday main fair days
The heart of the Ould Lammas Fair takes place on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th August, with hundreds of stalls lining the streets and the historic Fairhill Street horse trading area offering farrier displays, pony rides, and a petting farm.
Castle Street and Fairhill Street will also host busking pop-ups, and on Monday BBC Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan will broadcast live from the seafront from 1.30pm–3pm. Quiet time sessions for individuals with additional needs will be available each day from 11am–12noon.
With something for all ages, organisers are encouraging visitors to “make plans early and wear comfortable shoes” for what they promise will be “the best Ould Lammas Fair yet.”
Full programmes and further details are available at: