A Guide To Visiting Mornington Beach In Meath

Mornington Beach is one of the most overlooked beaches in Meath.

Which is strange, really, when you consider nearby Bettystown Beach is often painfully-packed during the warmer month.

Mornington Beach is a quiet little spot that’s perfect for a sunrise or sunset stroll, especially if you’re looking to dodge the crowds.

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Mornington Beach

Although a visit to Mornington Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Mornington Beach is located on the estuary of the River Boyne. This beach is situated within walking distance of Mornington village and it’s a 10-minute drive from Drogheda.

2. Parking

Mornington Beach does not have a proper parking area. However, as you approach it, you will find some spots to park a short distance from the sand. Please make sure that you don’t block the road.

3. Swimming

Although we’ve heard from several people that Mornington Beach is a popular spot for swimming, we can’t find any ‘official’ information online about lifeguards or swimming conditions, so check locally before entering the water.

4. Water safety

Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!

About Mornington Beach

Mornington Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Drogheda, alongside nearby Clogherhead Beach and Port Beach (both in Louth).

It’s a fine spot for an early morning ramble, and you’ll often find that you’ll have the whole place all to yourself.

The beach connects with Bettystown Beach and Laytown Beach, and hugs a good chunk of the coastline in this corner of the county.

Things to do around Mornington Beach

Although Mornington Beach is small, it’s home to a fair few interesting features, like the Maiden Tower and the ‘Lady’s Finger’.

Here’s a handful of things to see and do when you arrive, along with a very… ehm… interesting feature,

1. Ramble along the road to Maiden Tower

You’ll find the 60-foot high Maiden Tower a short walk from the parking area. It was built during the reign of Elisabeth I and it was used as a warning beacon to sailors marking the mouth of the River Boyne.

Some scholars also suggest that this tower was used during the Elizabethan Wars as a look-out place to see troops approaching.

The top of the Maiden Tower (not open) is reached by winding spiral steps. Those lucky enough to get to the upper section will be treated to glorious sea views.

2. Discover the story behind the slightly odd-looking ‘Lady’s Finger’

You’ll find a rather odd looking structure near the parking area. Known locally as ‘Lady’s Finger’ it looks like a massive… ehm… well, when you get there you’ll see what I mean!

The Lady’s Finger was once used as a navigational aid to help ships entering the River Boyne, however, there are several legends explaining how this tower was created.

According to legend, the unfortunately shaped Lady’s Finger took its name from a woman lady who spent day and night at the top of the Maiden Tower, awaiting her husbands return from sea.

One day, while gazing out to sea, she saw her husbands ship returning. It was flying a flag to indicate that someone had passed. Heart-broken, she threw herself off the tower. 

Alas, it gets worse – it turns out that the flag was raised by mistake. It’s said that her husband built the Lady’s Finger in her memory.

3. Head for a saunter along the sand

One of the beauties of Mornington Beach is that it’s perfect for a short ramble, but it also gives you the option for a long one, too.

If you’re looking for a casual stroll, ramble along the sand and turn around when you see fit.

If you fancy a longer walk, head off to nearby Bettystown Beach and on to Laytown. The walk will take you between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete.

4. Admire the also strange looking Drogheda East Lighthouse from afar 

While walking along Mornington Beach you may have noticed Drogheda East Lighthouse, without actually realising it. This lighthouse looks more like something you’d see landing on Mars in a sci-fi movie than a lighthouse.

The lighthouse, which was built c.1880, is made up of a cast-iron lantern that’s enveloped within brick walls and cast-iron supports.

Things to do nearby

If you’re looking for things to do in Meath, you’re in luck – Mornington Beach is a stone’s throw from plenty to see and do.

If you’re in the mood for more coastal action, you’ll find plenty of beaches nearby, along with some of the more popular stops on the Boyne Valley Drive.

1. Bettystown Beach (5-minute drive)

Bettystown Beach is located about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) south of Mornington Beach. If you visit during the summer months, expect crowds, crowds and more crowds. During the colder months, it’s a lovely spot for a stroll.

2. Laytown Beach (10-minute drive)

Laytown Beach is located next to the River Nanny, a 5-minute spin from Bettystown. This is a quiet enough beach and you can combine a visit here with a coffee from nearby Ariosa.

3. Drogheda (15-minute drive)

There’s plenty of things to do in Drogheda if you’re looking to step back in time. There’s also several mighty old-school pubs in Drogheda, too, along with heaps of great places to eat.

4. Brú na Bóinne (25-minute drive)

Brú na Bóinne is home to Newgrange and Knowth – two of the most popular attractions in Ireland’s Ancient East. Dowth is another ancient tomb, but you have to drive to it directly, and you can’t get a look inside.