PSNI advise of road closures and delays in Ballycastle for Ould Lammas Fair 2025

Crowds at the Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle in 2024

Image: Mal McCann

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is advising road users to plan ahead and expect traffic disruption in Ballycastle this weekend as the Ould Lammas Fair returns from Saturday 23rd to Tuesday 26th August.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to the seaside town for Ireland’s oldest traditional fair, bringing significant traffic volumes across the August bank holiday weekend.

Saturday fireworks to impact traffic

The event begins on Saturday evening (23rd August) with a fireworks display at the seafront from 9.30pm. Police have advised that traffic delays should be anticipated before, during and after the display.

Sunday concert road closures

On Sunday (24th August), a concert at The Diamond will see road closures in place from 7pm. This will impact Castle Street, The Diamond, Ann Street, and the upper section of Fairhill Street between The Diamond and Mill Street. Market Street, between Clare Street and The Diamond, will also be affected.

Main fair days – Monday and Tuesday

The busiest days of the fair fall on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th August, when stalls and attractions will extend across Castle Street, The Diamond, Ann Street, Fairhill Street, Quay Road and the Seafront. Diversions will be in operation via Whitepark Road, North Street and Mary Street, with further restrictions around The Diamond.

Parking will be strictly prohibited along designated emergency access routes on all four days of the event, including Fairhill Street, Mill Street, Kilns Road, Market Street (with blue badge parking permitted on one side only) and Moyle Road. Police have confirmed that “any vehicles found blocking the route will be towed away.”

Parking and public transport

To ease congestion, the PSNI has encouraged visitors to use park and ride facilities, with signage directing drivers to the Whitepark Road site. Visiting coaches will be accommodated at Ramoan Road and Leyland Road (from its junction with Coleraine Road to Ramoan Road).

Some Translink bus services will be affected across the weekend, with temporary pick-up and drop-off points in operation. Travellers are advised to check the Translink website for the latest service information.

Police advice for visitors

A PSNI spokesperson said:

“Officers will be on the ground to assist the large volume of visitors expected, but please follow any diversions that are in place for your safety and the safety of others.”