Big Wheel at the Lammas Fair

As thousands of people converge on Ballycastle for the Oul Lammas Fair, the town has come alive to the lights of the Giant Wheel and amusements at the Harbour.
By Una Culkin
Published 24th Aug 2015, 08:00 BST
As thousands of people converge on Ballycastle for the Oul Lammas fair weekend the town has come alive to the lights of the Giant Wheel and amusements at the Harbour. PICTURE KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIAAs thousands of people converge on Ballycastle for the Oul Lammas fair weekend the town has come alive to the lights of the Giant Wheel and amusements at the Harbour. PICTURE KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA
As thousands of people converge on Ballycastle for the Oul Lammas fair weekend the town has come alive to the lights of the Giant Wheel and amusements at the Harbour. PICTURE KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA

‘The Oul Lammas Fair’ has taken place annually in Ballycastle, since the seventeenth century. Celebrated on the last Monday and Tuesday in August, the fair marks the end of summer and beginning of harvest.

The origins of the fair are embroiled in the myths and legends of Ireland, although the tradition of such festivals can be found in many cultures throughout the world.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Lammas Fair traditionally attracts thousands of people from around the world and features more than 400 stalls of craft, bric-a-brac and farm produce.

As thousands of people converge on Ballycastle for the Oul Lammas fair weekend the town has come alive to the lights of the Giant Wheel and amusements at the Harbour.As thousands of people converge on Ballycastle for the Oul Lammas fair weekend the town has come alive to the lights of the Giant Wheel and amusements at the Harbour.
As thousands of people converge on Ballycastle for the Oul Lammas fair weekend the town has come alive to the lights of the Giant Wheel and amusements at the Harbour.

Local specialities include ‘Yellow Man’, a sweet honeycomb candy, and a red seaweed known as ‘dulse’. Street entertainment, including face-painting and pony rides, lends a carnival atmosphere, while traditional music sessions in the pubs cater to a different clientele.

PICTURE KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA

Related topics:Ireland