Ireland’s oldest fair returns to Ballycastle on August 28^th and 29^th.

The Auld Lammas Fair has been held in the seaside town for hundreds of years and continues to attract thousands of people thanks to its truly unique atmosphere and visitor experience. This year’s Fair will be officially launched with a spectacular seafront fireworks display organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on Sunday night (August 27^th). This new addition to the programme will provide a memorable opening to the much-loved event.

Famous for its delicacies of dulse, a dried edible seaweed, and Yellowman, a sticky sweet treat, both products will be widely available among the hundreds of stalls which stretch from Castle Street right through to the seafront.  The seaweed is collected from the shoreline before being dried and prepared for sale, and its unique sea salt taste is loved by many. Yellowman is a unique product of the fair, whose recipe is guarded closely by those who make it.

Traditionally held on the last Monday and Tuesday in August, the Fair’s sights and sounds make it a must-see experience. And as the build-up to the two-day experience continues to grow, the main event will be preceded by a packed weekend of activities and attractions.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “The Auld Lammas Fair holds a very special place in the hearts of many people in Ballycastle, and it is part of the fabric of the town. Between now and the end of the August I’m sure we will all hear someone say ‘”I’ll see you at the Fair”. It’s a place for family and friends to catch-up, swap stories and simply enjoy the fabulous spectacle. As a Council we are committed to its on-going development, and I’m looking forward to enjoying this year’s event.”

Alongside the market stalls, streets will come alive with the sounds of musical entertainers and buskers. In Fairhill Street, there’ll be an enhanced agricultural experience, including the traditional horse trading area which the Fair is renowned for. Quay Road playing fields and part of the seafront will be transformed into an amusement zone with thrill-seeking rides suitable for all the family, including the landmark vintage-style Big Wheel. There’ll be plenty of entertainment on the festival stage, with Irish dancing and traditional music.

This year, the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market will be open for business for three days at the seafront – Sunday 27^th August and both fair days. It will showcase the very best of our growing local produce sector, selling a wide variety of local arts, food and craft. On Saturday 26^th August, the traditional heavy horse show will be held in Sheskburn Car Park, followed by a parade through the town centre. The organisers are looking forward to welcoming entrants from near and far, who enjoy the opportunity to show their beautiful horses to a new audience. In the afternoon, look out for the vintage car and tractor parade, which will leave from Dalriada Hospital at 3.30pm.

For more information about this year’s Auld Lammas Fair go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.gov.uk and to keep up to date with latest details follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook.

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s Portrush Flyer steam train will be offering holidaymakers and daytrippers the opportunity to travel on a unique and stylish excursion to Portrush on Sundays 30^th July, 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th August.

Passengers on The Portrush Flyer will travel in vintage carriages from the 1960’s and 1970’s behind the beautifully restored, 103-ton, blue locomotive, “Merlin”.   Merlin is no stranger to the railway line from Belfast to the north coast and even hauled a train carrying the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh last year on their way to re-open Bellarena station on the railway line to Londonderry.

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland Operations Officer Mervyn Darragh commented “We are pleased to be able to share our wonderful steam train The Portrush Flyer again.  These annual trains are the high point of a great year for our Society, following the completion of our new Museum at our depot at Whitehead.  The Flyer will start from the RPSI depot at Whitehead Excursion Station, picking up at Carrickfergus and Belfast Central en-route to Portrush and we love to see the passengers on the train waving at the holidaymakers on the beach as we weave along the coast for our arrival at leave Portrush.

“Our volunteers have now restored three mainline steam locomotives to active service and are preparing one of them, our largest, Merlin for Portrush action.

“Each train will offer passengers travel in lovingly restored carriages, the opportunity for children (and more nostalgic adults) to get close to the steam engine and talk to the driver and fireman (if he has the energy after shovelling up to 4.5 tons of coal into the fire), and a relaxing journey through city suburbs, leafy countryside and North Atlantic seascapes to Portrush and back.  We’ll be operating this train on Sundays 30^th July, 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th August.

“We always enjoy helping the public and especially children get closer to the industrial heritage we maintain.  A steam train just oozes atmosphere and we would especially appreciate the public sending us drawings, notes or poems about their day out on the steam train for posting on our website.”

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland is a charitable not-for-profit organisation and has it’s main workshops at Whitehead in County Antrim.  Restoration and preparation of the trains is entirely managed by and, largely carried out by, volunteers.

The Portrush Flyer departs Belfast Central at 1130 sharp.   Return tickets to Portrush cost £22 Adult, £15 Child and £66 Family (2 adults and 2 children).  Tickets can be purchased in advance by telephone or call-and-collect from Belfast Welcome Centre, tel 028 9024 6609 or online from www.steamtrainsireland.com.

Last chance to get your tickets!

 

The Navan Centre & Fort’s annual celebration of the ancient Celtic sun god Lugh takes place on Saturday 5^th August from 6.00pm.  This spectacular Wickerman Gathering celebrates with music from the fabulous HatchJaw, the amazing Trad Folk Experience and the outstanding Fireside Folk. Enjoy performances by the Armagh Rhymers.  The ever-popular ceili dancing will get your feet tapping, don’t worry about not knowing the steps – we will even teach you a few moves!

Visit the encampment to see how the Celts would have prepared for the burning of the Wickerman.  See the traditions of the time and get a greater understanding of the customs associated with this festival such as the technique of Casting of the Fews!

Take part in some wellness meditation, see our Birds of Prey, enjoy some Henna & traditional face-painting and be amazed by our fire dancers!  Browse our crafts stalls packed full of unusual crafts with a Celtic theme.

Of course don’t forget we will have our Wickerman towering above the audience, ready for the fire ceremony.

Booking in advance essential on www.armagh.co.uk/wickerman No tickets are available on the evening.

 

For further information contact Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh  BT60 4LD Tel + (0) 44 2837 529644 navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

 

Friday 21 July – Thursday 27 July

 

Saturday 22 July, Kids Nature Trail

Castle Park, Bangor    

10.30am-12.30pm | £2.50

Join this fascinating interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely

028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 22 July, Family fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Bring the little ones along to Portaferry VIC for free family entertainment every Saturday in July

Sat 22:  Animal Roadshow and Face Painting

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September

Sat 22: CSI Workshop and Children’s Crafts
Sun 23:Jumping Clay Workshop, Balloon Modelling and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open 11am – 5pm

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 23 July, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in July and August. This week see Northern Ireland’s wildest rockin’ band The Sabrejets

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

Thursday 27 July, Newtownards Historical Walking Tour

Town Area

7pm – 8.30pm | £4

Situated at the northern end of Strangford Lough, Newtownards has a wealth of historical treasures waiting to be discovered

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Friday 28 July – Thursday 3 August

 

Friday 28 July, Lough Lively Sessions – Runabay

Portico, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry

7.30pm | Tickets £10

Join us in Portaferry for our Lough Lively sessions, where music comes to life. This week you can see Runabay, six musicians from the Glens of Antrim who through their passion for harmony and melody have been writing and recording since 2013.

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 29 July, Family fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Bring the little ones along to Portaferry VIC for free family entertainment every Saturday in July

Sat 29:  Science Workshop and Balloon Modelling

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September.

Sat 29: Magic Tricks (Limited Numbers) Crafts
Sun 30: Plant and Play – Fairy Garden, Glitter Tattoos and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open 11am – 5pm

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 30 July, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in July and August. On Sunday 30^th, celebrate the last day of the Fleadh with Musicians from Ards and North Down Comhaltás

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Exhibitions

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 1 – Sunday 30 July

Art in the Loft: ‘The Trains Don’t Stop Here Anymore’

Robert JE Simpson presents a collection of images centred around abandoned railways of Northern Ireland

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall), BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200 | northdownmuseum.com

 

Until Thursday 27 July

Fleadh Exhibition

Explore the history and culture of Irish Traditional Music and Dance in the local area.

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 1 – Saturday 29 July

Tower Houses of Strangford Lough

An exhibition showcasing late medieval tower houses

World class sporting action kicks off a busy month across the Causeway Coast and Glens this July. With two football tournaments, a road racing event, and the spectacular Red Sails Festival there will be plenty for visitors to enjoy.

The six-day Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup begins on Monday 17^th July – attracting over 300 teams to the North West. The opening parade takes place on Tuesday 18^th July, and is always a highlight of the international event. Every participant has the chance to play as much football as possible, while enjoying the unique camaraderie, friendly rivalry and superb hospitality.

Super Cup NI kicks off at various venues throughout the Causeway Coast from Sunday 23^rd July – Friday 28^th July. Attracting competitors, officials, players and spectators from all around the world, venues across the Borough will showcase the talent of the sport’s future stars. Taking part in the event is an aspiration for many young footballers, and it’s eagerly anticipated by clubs near and far, thanks to its reputation as the world’s most prestigious youth football tournament. You can show your support for the competitors by going along to the opening parade, which takes place in Coleraine town centre on Sunday 23^rd July from 7pm. The Parade will set off from the Bertie Peacock statue in the Diamond and travel through the centre of the town via Railway Road to Coleraine Showgrounds for the Opening Ceremony.

In Armoy, the village is revving up for the annual Race of Legends which begins on Sunday 23^rd July.  The three mile circuit harks back to the 1970’s and the days of the legendary Armoy Armada. It attracts large crowds of spectators and bike enthusiasts, with activities, events and entertainment for all the family throughout Race Week.  Practice takes place on Friday 28^th July with the racing action getting under way on Saturday 29^th July.

The Red Sails Festival returns to Portstewart from Sunday 23^rd July, with a packed programme of free entertainment including live music, culture, dance, competitions, workshops and activities for children throughout the week. The festivities will come to a colourful end with a fireworks display organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council at 10.30pm on Saturday 29^th. Before this, there’ll be live music in the Crescent, with Bone Idol playing sounds from the 60s right through to current hits.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “We are delighted to support these fantastic events, which bring thousands of people to our area. Football fans and road racing enthusiasts can look forward to world class displays right here on our doorstep. And of course these events will be complemented by our unrivalled tourist attractions and our unique hospitality. We look forward to welcoming fans, visitors, and most importantly riders and players to our beautiful Borough. In Portstewart, the Red Sails event is a firm favourite in the summer calendar. After a fantastic Irish Open, the resort will once again come alive with an exciting festival feel.”

For further information go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call 028 7034 4723.