Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors to get a flavour of dulse and Yellow Man

The event is described as Ireland’s oldest fair and is held annually in Ballycastle in late August.

A report presented to councillors at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on Monday evening said: “As part of the ongoing work to develop the May Fair, it is proposed to organise a study visit to the Aul Lammas Fair on Tuesday 29 August.”

A working group of elected members and community representatives oversees planning and delivery of the Ballyclare May Fair which dates back to 1756.

Speaking at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on Monday evening, Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown, a member of the Ballyclare May Fair Working Group, welcomed the proposal describing it as “a good idea to see what is happening and to learn some good things” adding it may “build a relationship”.

The Ould Lammas Fair returns to Ballycastle this year from Saturday, August 26 until Tuesday, August 29. Ireland’s oldest traditional fair is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “The Ould Lammas Fair has been a staple of Ballycastle for centuries – it is engrained in the town’s history and continues to be a focal point of the year’s tourism calendar.

“For generations, the Ould Lammas Fair has brought families, friends and communities together and I look forward to seeing the town full of people enjoying dulse, Yellow Man and everything else it has to offer.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter