Laytown Beach is one of the morning popular beaches in Meath.
It’s one of the quieter ones, too, especially when compared to nearby Bettystown Beach, which it’s connected to.
The beach at Laytown is a fine spot for a stroll, and there’s a spot for coffee, parking and public toilets nearby.
Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Laytown Beach
Photo by bugis61 (Shutterstock)
Although a visit to Laytown Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
You’ll find Laytown Beach right in front of the little village of Laytown, in County Meath. It’s a 5-minute drive from Bettystown, a 15-minute drive from Balbriggan and a 20-minute drive from Drogheda.
2. Parking
There’s a little bit of parking right next to Laytown Beach (see it here on Google Maps). Just keep in mind that these spots get snapped up quickly on those often rare hot summer days.
3. Swimming + water safety
Laytown Beach is a popular spot for a swim, however, it’s worth noting that, when the tide is out, you’ll have a bit of a walk to the water. Lifeguards are only on duty during the summer months, so always take care.
4. The Laytown Races
The Laytown Races have been taking place on Laytown Beach since way back in 1868. In fact, they’re the only horse racing event that take place on a beach that follow the Rules of Racing.
5. Toilets
There’s a public toilet just behind The Coast Tavern, a short walk from the sand. You can find it here on Google Maps.
6. Water safety (please read)
Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!
About Laytown Beach
Photo by KarlM Photography (Shutterstock)
Laytown Beach, Bettystown Beach and Mornington Beach form one long sandy stretch that hugs the Meath coastline for just under 4.5km.
Laytown Beach, along with the others mentioned above, is one of a handful of beaches in Meath that’s well worth sauntering along.
Although it gets busy during the warmer summer months, if you visit during the colder months, you’ll often have the place all to yourself.
Things to do around Laytown Beach
If you’re looking to make a morning or afternoon out of your trip to Laytown, we’ve a very mini itinerary for you below.
It boasts a mix of coffee, sweet treats and a lovely walk along the sand.
1. Grab a coffee to-go from Ariosa by the sea
Photos via Ariosa on FB
You can’t miss Ariosa, with its bright, bold exterior. It’s finely plonked on the coast road, right across from the sea. If you fancy a pick-me-up, grab a coffee to-go (and one of their fabulous cakes, if you’re peckish!).
Their freshly roasted coffee is the perfect accompaniment to a walk on Laytown Beach during the colder months!
2. Then head for a saunter along the sand
Photo by bugis61 (Shutterstock)
Take the short stroll from Ariosa across to the beach and, if you fancy, flick off those shoes and socks. This is a gorgeous beach for a ramble and it’s home to one of our favourite coastal walks in Meath.
If you’re only up for a short stroll, you can ramble up as far as the section that’s across from the Sacred Heart Church (30-minutes).
Or, if you fancy giving the legs a stretch, head as far as Bettystown Beach (around 1 hour in total).
3. Or plan your visit around the historic Laytown Races
As incredible as it may sound, the Laytown Races have been on the go since 1868, which is no mean feat! They began in the mid-1800s and coincided with the Boyne Regatta rowing competition.
Interestingly enough, in 1875, the Laytown Races included a bike race, where men raced against each other on penny farthings. This years’ races take place on September 8th.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of Laytown Beach is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Meath.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Laytown.
1. Bettystown Beach (5-minute drive)
Photo by Johannes Rigg (Shutterstock)
Bettystown Beach is a short spin from Laytown. This beach is arguably best-known as the place where the Tara Brooch, a Viking brooch dating back to 710-750 AD, was found. It’s a popular spot amongst swimmers and gets much busier than Laytown Beach.
2. Mornington Beach (10-minute drive)
Photo by Dirk Hudson (Shutterstock)
Mornington Beach is a little further up the coastline, and it’s one of a couple of beaches near Drogheda. This is arguably the quietest beach of the three and it’s home to two historical landmarks – the Maiden Tower and the Lady’s Finger, both of which have been used in the past as warning beacons for sailors.
3. Drogheda (15-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Drogheda is a lively town situated on the banks of the River Boyne. There’s plenty of things to do in Drogheda and there’s loads of restaurants in Drogheda, too. If you’re there for the night, there’s some excellent, old-school pubs in Drogheda worth sampling.
4. Brú na Bóinne (25-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Brú na Bóinne is home to both Newgrange and Knowth – two of the most impressive historical sites in Ireland’s Ancient East. You’ll find Dowth close by, but you can access it without going via the visitors centre.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.