Amusements & Family Fun Day
Arrive earlier in the day for carnival rides and activities, especially if visiting with children.
~17:00 - 22:00
Craigyhill Eleventh Night Bonfire
Craigyhill Bonfire
Larne, United Kingdom
Jul 11, 2026ExpectedSource
Each July, the loyalist community of Craigyhill in Larne builds one of Northern Ireland's largest bonfires, a towering stack of wooden pallets. Lit on the Eleventh Night before the Twelfth of July marches, the great fire blazes into the sky, in a tradition that has become a point of fierce local pride.
Key moments
Day 1 · Jul 11
Bonfire Lighting (Eleventh Night)
Secure a spot well before lighting to see the huge blaze and fireworks. Follow instructions from marshals for safety.
~23:55
Where it happens
Craigyhill bonfire site
Larne, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Wear sturdy shoes (watch for debris)
Read the local rhythm
Protect ears from loud noise
Keep the visit respectful
Keep children close
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Tens of thousands gather; very crowded near the bonfire, especially at lighting time.
Weather
Warm summer evenings; be prepared for sun exposure during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Light rain won’t usually cancel the event.
Transport
Translink provides Ulsterbus services to Larne and the Larne Line train connects Larne Town with Belfast (approx 1h travel time). Taxis and rental cars are common.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Generally safe and well-managed. In 2024 about 40,000 attended with only one minor scuffle reported.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Craigyhill Eleventh Night Bonfire
Craigyhill Bonfire
Larne, United Kingdom
Each July, the loyalist community of Craigyhill in Larne builds one of Northern Ireland's largest bonfires, a towering stack of wooden pallets. Lit on the Eleventh Night before the Twelfth of July marches, the great fire blazes into the sky, in a tradition that has become a point of fierce local pride.
Starts soonStarts in 13 days
Easy first visitEasy first festival
Jul 11, 2026Expected dates
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The story behind it
The Craigyhill bonfire is part of the annual Protestant/unionist tradition leading up to the July 12 marches commemorating the Protestant victory at the Battle of the Boyne (1690). It is a community event meant to reinforce unionist identity and heritage. Such bonfires are seen by participants as a symbol of loyalist pride and remembrance of King William’s legacy in Ireland.
Key moments to know
Day 1Jul 112 moments
Day 1Jul 11~17:00 - 22:00Expected
Amusements & Family Fun Day
Arrive earlier in the day for carnival rides and activities, especially if visiting with children.
Bonfire Lighting (Eleventh Night)
Secure a spot well before lighting to see the huge blaze and fireworks. Follow instructions from marshals for safety.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Wear sturdy shoes (watch for debris)
Read the local rhythm
Protect ears from loud noise
Keep the visit respectful
Keep children close
Photo with care
And stay behind barriers.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jul 11, 2026
Projected
City / Area
Larne
Northern Ireland
Access
Belfast International Airport (BFS) · 35 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: £50-80; Mid: £100-150; Comfort: £200+ (per day, N...
Atmosphere
Lively and festive with marching bands, music and a celebratory moo...
Tens of thousands gather; very crowded near the bonfire,...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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