Tides of Time Festival Celebrates Ballycastles Rich Heritage

Ballycastle Library is delighted to present Tides of Time: Ballycastle Heritage Festival, a week-long celebration of the history, culture and stories that have shaped Ballycastle and the Causeway Coast.

Taking place from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 March in Ballycastle Library, the festival brings together historians, musicians, storytellers and heritage specialists to explore the people, traditions and events that continue to define this unique coastline.

The programme opens on Monday 9 March with Local Tunes, Culture Tales: Local Belonging and Heritage in the Causeway Coast and Glens at 2:15pm, where Dr Gráinne Milner-McLoone explores how traditional song shapes identity and place. Later that afternoon at 3:00pm, Harping Back to 1792 with Katy Bustard revisits the historic Belfast Harp Festival, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Irish harp tradition.

On Tuesday 10 March at 2:15pm, audiences can enjoy Storytelling with Stephen O’Hara, drawing on Irish folklore and oral tradition to bring ancient heroes and local legends to life.

Family-friendly highlights include the Vintage Toys Reminiscence Session on Saturday 14 March at 11:00am, encouraging generations to share memories through play, and creative Sand Art Workshops on the same day at 2:30pm, 3:00pm and 3:30pm.

Throughout the week, visitors can also enjoy the exhibition Travelling Through Time: Railway History of Ballycastle and Capecastle, on display during library opening hours.

All events are free to attend, though booking is essential for most sessions.

View the full programme details and booking information below or contact Ballycastle Library directly on t: 028 2076 2566 or e: ballycastle.library@librariesni.org.uk.

View Programme in full screen