Shanes Castle May Day Steam Rally 2026

About Shanes Castle May Day Steam Rally 2026

Held in the beautiful picturesque grounds surrounding the castle ruins in Shanes Castle Estate near Antrim, it is one of the biggest vintage events in Northern Ireland and one of the premier rallies in the vintage scene across the Island of Ireland.

It is one of the best attended vintage events and regularly attracts crowds of 15k -18k over the two days. There are over 800 exhibitors with steam engines of all types, vintage tractors, commercial vehicles, vintage cars, stationary engines, threshing mills, stonebreakers and many other vintage agricultural and industrial machines.

The working arenas have threshing and baling, timber sawing, stone breaking and around the Rally Field there are demonstrations of blacksmithing, stone carving, hedging, fencing, stick carving, basket weaving, bread baking, butter making and other traditional skills.

There are steam engines rides, a huge fairground with more than thirty rides and side shows and a mobile open farm with lots of animals for the kids to cuddle and caress. In the main arena there are continuous displays including RTC rescue demonstrations, Birds of Prey flying displays, Army Displays and demonstrations etc.

Catering facilities cover the traditional range of fast foods such as burgers, pasties, fish and chips, crepes, hog roast etc. There is a bars, at the Old Station. The Craft Marquee has more than 60 stalls selling all kinds of goods including pens, paper products, pictures, jewellery, hats, scarves, cushions, badges, antiques, jams, preserves, chutneys, honey, curries, health products and so on.

The Trade Stand area has over 100 stands selling new and used tools and engineering equipment, autojumble, antiques, furniture, pictures and paintings, clothing, toys, garden furniture, house clearances, bric-a-brac and much, much more.

The event is a great family day out as it is designed to be Family Friendly and provides entertainment for all members of the family: mums, dads, the kids and granny and grandad too! In fact, all ages from three to ninety three!

Car parking is free.

There is a Public Campsite close to the Rally where caravaners and campers can stay over the holiday weekend. Full details of the Public Campsite are available on our website.

Important Information

Saturday Night:

Entry is through top gate: W3W: ///dreams.pollution.scanty

Security & Bag Searches present.

No alcohol to be brought on site. Bar is available on site.

Sunday & Monday:

Gates Open at 9am for pre-paid tickets only (Pay Gates open from 10am).

Please have tickets ready to present on arrival and enter the designated pre-paid fast track lane.