guide-to-laytown-beach

Salty hair, don’t care! Here’s the only guide you nee or Laytown Beach Fun!

I recently discovered a hidden gem on Ireland’s east coast: Laytown Beach. This beach completely surprised me with its beautiful golden sand and fantastic sun. 

I never knew Ireland had such a fantastic spot for surfers and horse racers! If you’re looking for a unique beach experience without the usual crowds, my guide to Laytown Beach has got you covered. 

It’s filled with everything you need to know about this hidden gem, from where to catch the best waves to finding the perfect spot for a picnic. Keep reading to plan your ideal getaway to Laytown Beach!

What is Laytown Beach known for?

Laytown Beach is a fine sand beach, popular with locals and visitors for relaxing, sunbathing, and strolls. It also has a special place in Irish horse racing history.

One side features dunes and a charming shell bank, adding a touch of natural diversity. A traditional thatched cottage on the other side of the River Nanny, which splits the beach, creates a quintessential Irish postcard image.

For over 140 years, the beach has hosted an annual horse race, one of the few held directly on sand in Europe. This unique event attracts racing enthusiasts and excites the beach’s reputation.

Best Time to Go to Laytown Beach

During the summer (June to August), Laytown Beach is the busiest, as the weather is usually sunny and warm. The water is also at its warmest, perfect for swimming and other water activities, but the beach can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. During these times, you’re also more likely to find good deals on accommodation.

Winter (December to February) is the quietest time at the beach, but the weather can be cold and wet, and the water is too chilly for swimming. If you don’t mind the cold, winter is a good time for a peaceful walk on the sand.

Things to Know About Laytown Beach

1. Time your visit for low tide.

During low tide, the water recedes, uncovering a larger area of sandy beach. This provides more space for sunbathing, playing beach games, or taking a leisurely walk along the shore.

You might also encounter fascinating rock pools, where sea life is revealed during low tide. Laytown tends to be quieter than nearby Bettystown Beach, making it perfect for families with young children.

2. Bring appropriate footwear.

The River Nanny flows through the beach. Depending on where you choose to camp, you may need to navigate some rocks or pebbles along the riverbank. 

If you’re interested in exploring the dunes or the area around the mouth of the river, it’s best to wear sturdy shoes due to the uneven terrain. However, flip-flops or sandals should be sufficient if you plan to stay on the main sandy beach.

3. Be aware of the currents.

Strong currents can pull you out to sea unexpectedly, so it’s important to swim in designated areas with lifeguards present, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. 

 If you get caught in a current, stay calm and don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current’s force, then swim back to shore at an angle.

How to Get Around Laytown Beach

1. Car

Begin your journey on the M1, the Dublin-Belfast motorway, and stay on this motorway until Junction 7. Once you take Junction 7, you’ll be leaving the M1 and continuing onto the R132 until you reach Julianstown and R150.

The R150 is scenic, so keep your eyes peeled for pretty views of the Irish countryside. As you approach Laytown, you’ll see signs for the beach and be directed to ample parking areas near the shore.

2. Train

Irish Rail operates frequent trains to Laytown Station from Dublin Connolly Station. Trains typically run every 30 minutes and take around 46 minutes to travel. 

As your train travels north from Dublin, you’ll glimpse the Irish countryside. Relax, as Laytown Station is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the beach. 

3. Bus

Bus Eireann is Ireland’s national bus service provider. The bus journey from Dublin to Laytown Beach takes about 35 minutes.

Look for routes 910, D2, D1, or 912. These Bus Eireann routes all service Laytown Beach, but the most frequent route is the 910, which runs hourly. 

Where to Stay Near Laytown Beach

1. Citynorth Hotel & Conference Centre

Address: Gormanston, Co. Meath, K32 W562, Ireland
Phone: +35316906666

Pricing: €€
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The CityNorth Hotel & Conference Centre is a 4-star hotel just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport. It is well-situated for exploring the historic Boyne Valley region. The hotel boasts spacious, stylish rooms with large beds and power showers. 

They also have family rooms available and offer 24-hour room service for added convenience. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the hotel’s Tara Lounge and Mornington Restaurant or relax in the lounge with afternoon tea.

2. Bracken Court Hotel

Address: 3A Bridge St, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, K32 DK88, Ireland
Phone: +35318413333

Pricing: €€
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The Bracken Court Hotel is a charming option in the nearby town of Balbriggan. It’s a 4-star Victorian-era hotel boasting a unique blend of classic elegance and modern amenities.

Guests can choose from stylish rooms with marble bathrooms and power showers. The Bracken Grill serves fresh, local seafood and steaks, while Jack Doyle’s pub offers a hearty bar food menu alongside a wide selection of drinks.

3. Scholars Townhouse Hotel

Address: Scholars Townhouse Hotel, King St, Moneymore, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 ED71, Ireland
Phone: +353419835410

Pricing: €€
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The Scholars Townhouse Hotel is an upmarket establishment with traditional rooms. 

They also boast an old-world gastropub and an opulent fine-dining restaurant, so you’ll have various dining options, from casual pub fare to a more dressed-up experience.

4. Glenside Hotel

Address: Dublin Rd, Smithstown, Drogheda, Co. Meath, Ireland
Phone: +353419829999

Pricing:
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The Glenside Hotel offers 17 well-appointed rooms, including singles, doubles, family rooms, and a suite. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and toiletries.  

The hotel also features a restaurant and a bar where you can relax after a day of exploring. With its family-friendly amenities, on-site dining, and proximity to the beach, it caters to various travelers.

5. Conyngham Arms Hotel

Address: Main St, Slane, Co. Meath, C15 HN52, Ireland
Phone: +353419884444

Pricing:
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The Conyngham Arms Hotel itself is a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn.  This means it was initially a place where travelers with horse-drawn carriages could stay overnight and rest their horses.  

Today, its restaurant offers elegant French-style rooms and classic a la carte cuisine. Many visitors praise the hotel for its charming atmosphere and its delicious food.  

Where to Eat Near Laytown Beach

1. Aisha’s Cafe & Bistro

Address: 4 Wellington Quay, Moneymore, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 NCC6, Ireland
Phone: +353419843472

Pricing:
Website

Aisha’s Cafe & Bistro offers a delicious fusion of Lebanese and European cuisine. It boasts high-quality ingredients; customer favorites include Lebanese specialties and familiar European dishes. 

Aisha’s Cafe & Bistro offers dine-in, takeout, and even delivery through Uber Eats if you’d prefer to enjoy their food at the beach. Their hours are convenient for both lunch and dinner, with extended hours on weekends. 

2. Ariosa by the Sea

Address: Coast Rd, Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, A92 C9FD, Ireland
Phone: +353877151265

Pricing: €€
Website

Ariosa by the Sea is a cafe offering a more casual dining experience focusing on beverages and light fare. The cafe’s bright and bold exterior makes it easy to spot while driving along the coast road. 

Right across from the beach, it’s a perfect place to grab a coffee or tea while enjoying a scenic walk or spending a day at Laytown Beach. They also offer pastries, sandwiches, or other snacks to complement your drinks.

3. The Hops Bar

Address: 4 Merchant’s Quay, Lagavooren, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland
Phone: +353419877700

Pricing: €€
Website

The Hops Bar is a well-regarded gastropub in Drogheda. Customers rave about both the food and the ambiance, with some highlighting dishes like fillet steak and Caesar salad.

The Hops Bar offers a menu that blends Irish and European influences alongside a pub atmosphere. This means you can expect classic pub fare alongside more creative European-inspired dishes. 

4. Man O’War Traditional Irish Bar & Restaurant

Address: Courtlough, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Phone: +35318415528

Pricing: €€
Website

The Man O’ War Gastro Pub promises a genuine Irish experience. It features a characteristic thatched roof and boasts a relaxed atmosphere for its patrons. 

They source their ingredients locally, using Ireland’s rich agricultural bounty to create their menu.  This focus on fresh, local ingredients translates to a menu that likely features classic Irish fare alongside more contemporary dishes.

5. Stoop Your Head

Address: 19 Harbour Rd, Townparks, Skerries, Co. Dublin, K34 T221, Ireland
Phone: +35318492085

Pricing: €€
Website

Stoop Your Head is a family-run Skerries Restaurant and Bar located in a small fishing harbor. For over twenty years, it has been serving the finest quality food in the most stunning location along the East Coast of Ireland. 

They have won numerous awards for their fish dishes, and our menu offers a selection to suit every palate. Here, you get to enjoy stunning views over Skerries Harbour, which, on a good day, can make you feel like you are dining in the Mediterranean. 

What to Do in Laytown Beach

1. Plan your visit around the historic Laytown Races.

Address: Strand Rd, Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, Ireland
Phone: +353863748985

Website

Laytown Races, held annually in September, is a unique and exciting experience that shouldn’t be missed. Laytown boasts the title of Ireland’s only horse racing event held directly on the sand, offering a scenic and thrilling backdrop for the competition. 

Witnessing this long-standing tradition is a chance to connect with Laytown’s heritage and vibrant racing culture. The temporary course set up each year, with marquees for jockeys, weigh rooms, and refreshments, adds to the unique charm of the event.

2. Try the Nature Trail & River Walk.

Address: The, Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, A92 D9XH, Ireland
Phone: +353419827572

Website

The Nature Trail & River Walk at the Sonairte National Ecology Centre provides a refreshing change of scenery. The trail winds through woodlands, meadows, and even a salt marsh, all teeming with plant and animal life. 

Keep your eyes peeled for an array of birdlife, from the resident ducks greeting you by the river to various species inhabiting the meadows and woodlands. You might spot exciting insects, plants, and other creatures that thrive in this protected environment.

3. Drop by Drogheda.

Address: Drogheda, Droichead Átha, Co. Louth, Ireland

Drogheda, a historic town just a short distance from Laytown Beach, offers a treasure trove of experiences you will take advantage of. It boasts a rich and fascinating history. Explore the imposing Millmount Fort, a centuries-old defensive structure offering panoramic views.

You can also stroll through the town center and admire medieval architecture, such as St. Laurence Gate and St. Peter’s Church, which even houses the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett. These historical gems bring Ireland’s past to life.

4. Visit the Brú na Bóinne.

Address: Drogheda, Co. Meath, A92 EH5C, Ireland
Phone: +353419880300

Website

Brú na Bóinne boasts a collection of passage tombs – Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth –  dating back to 3200 BC.  These megalithic wonders are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, offering a glimpse into a civilization long gone.  

Built with massive stones and intricate passageways, they showcase the remarkable skills of their builders. The elaborate carvings adorning the inner chambers add another layer of intrigue, hinting at the rituals and beliefs held by these ancient people.

5. Stroll through the Mornington Strand.

Address: Irska, Ireland

Unlike Laytown Beach, which can get lively, Mornington Strand offers a peaceful escape. It’s perfect for those seeking a serene atmosphere for a morning stroll or a contemplative picnic. 

Mornington Strand boasts a beautiful landscape. Fine sand stretches as far as the eye can see, backed by dunes and occasionally interrupted by a charming little shell bank. 

Where to Shop Near Laytown Beach

1. Riverside Home & Gift

Address: Coast Rd, Mornington, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland
Phone: +353419813282

Website

Riverside Home & Gift in Ireland is a one-stop shop for all your homeware and gifting needs. This store boasts the title of the “premier Home & Gift location in the North East.” 

It houses various products, from contemporary gifts and nursery items to crystal, jewelry, and furniture. They also offer gift wrapping and free parking, adding another layer of ease to your shopping experience.

2. Laurence Shopping Centre

Address: St Laurence St, Moneymore, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland

The Laurence Shopping Centre is located on St Laurence Street, which has been a center of commerce for centuries. Buildings along the street date back to the 1700s and have architectural styles ranging from Georgian to Palladian.  

Today, the Laurence Shopping Centre offers a mix of stores and services. Whether you need pharmacy essentials from Boots or a caffeine fix from Starbucks, the center has what you want.  

3. Market Square Shopping Centre

Address: Market Square Shopping Centre, Market Square, Drummond Etra, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, Ireland

The Market Square Shopping Centre is a charming local shopping destination focusing on Irish crafts and offerings.

Here, you’ll find stores curating local Irish crafters’ products, including jewelry, scarves, and glassware. For crystal enthusiasts, The Misty Hollows offers a selection of crystals, holistic supplies, candles, and more.  

4. Mace Supermarket

Address: Strand Rd, Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, Ireland
Phone: +353419827239

Mace is a well-established convenience store chain in Ireland. It is the country’s oldest franchise, founded in 1960, and has been serving local communities for over 60 years.

They offer everyday essentials alongside fresh food options, hot meals prepared to go, and even hot beverages. A “Mace Right Options” initiative helps customers navigate their selection by highlighting the store’s healthier food and drink choices. 

5. Navan Town Centre

Address: Kennedy Rd, Abbeyland South, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 DDW2, Ireland
Phone: +353469028489

Website

Navan Town Centre features a variety of stores, including high-street chains, local retailers, and specialist shops. There’s something for most needs, whether you’re looking for clothes, homeware, beauty products, or a bite to eat.

Overall, Navan Town Centre is a convenient option for shopping and entertainment in Navan. For many of your everyday needs, it appears to have you covered.