Ireland’s only horse race held on a beach under the rules of racing takes place in Laytown. There is also a 5 km path running parallel to the beach, the Laytown-Bettystown bathing water and themes related to ecology and architecture. When planning your trip, it’s worth paying attention to seasonal timings: the Sonairte Market is seasonal, while the Laytown Races take place annually.
Beach, coastal path and sauna
The Laytown-Bettystown bathing water has been awarded Blue Flag status and is rated “excellent”. Its classification may change following future official monitoring.
A scenic path runs 5 km parallel to the beach, from Laytown through Bettystown to Mornington. This gives you a defined coastal route, with a specified length and towns, as well as the beach. If you’d like to include some exercise in your trip, you can follow this specific route.
Sea View Saunas at Laytown Beach has a barrel sauna for up to ten people; each session lasts 45 minutes. Booking and operating conditions may change. If you’re planning to use the sauna, confirm availability before your trip.
The Laytown Races
The Laytown Races bring horse racing to the beach: no other horse race in Ireland is held on a beach under the rules of racing. The event takes place annually. If you’re planning to attend the Races, check the specific event date for your travel year in advance.
Sonairte: environmental education and nature
The interactive Sonairte Visitor Eco-Centre and Gardens in Laytown promotes ecological awareness and sustainable living. Visitors can explore the bee museum there. The 10-acre site includes an organic garden, a nature trail and a riverside path. Environmental education and a variety of landscape features come together here.
Many groups, including Scouts, Girl Guides and youth clubs, visit Sonairte each year to experience its award-winning river and nature trail. Activities include treasure hunts and ecological orienteering. If you’re particularly interested in environmental education, Sonairte offers a dedicated focus alongside Laytown’s beach and cultural attractions.
Market and church architecture
The Sonairte Food and Craft Market takes place on Sundays from March to December in Laytown. Local growers and bakers offer organic vegetables, garden plants, bread, juices, jams and crafts, among other things. Its mix of food, plants and crafts gives the market a different focus from the town’s nature and cultural attractions. Check the exact market dates before your trip.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in Laytown preserves the façade of a former church dating from around 1870. Inside, there are distinctive light wells and a so-called floating ceiling. The historic façade and distinctive interior features make the church a notable architectural attraction alongside the coast’s offerings.
County Meath: prehistoric history
The wider destination of County Meath offers a distinct perspective on prehistoric history. Brú na Bóinne lies in a bend of the River Boyne and includes the passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery is a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to around 3000 BC, spread across four gently rolling hilltops. The Hill of Tara offers a different historical perspective: it was the seat of Ireland’s High King and an important centre of political and religious power.
Discover more destinations: Kells, Summerhill, Rathmolyon, Navan, Pelletstown, Slane, Boycetown, Ratoath
For the wider travel overview: County Meath.
