Playdays

Laytown/Bettystown

Beach & coast Meath

Checked July 2026

Laytown/Bettystown is a fine sand beach backing onto sand dunes. There is a links golf course located in the sand dunes. The Boyne Coast and Estuary is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC site code 001957) located to the north. To the south, the River Nanny Estuary and Shore is a designated Special Protected Area (SPA site code 004158). Activities on the beach include sandsculpting and kitesurfing. Laytown/Bettystown has hosted the National Sand Sculpting and Sandcastle Competition in recent years. Laytown Strand Race is a horse racing event which takes place annually on Laytown strand. The bathing area is approximately 1.5 km in length and 0.6 km² in area. Laytown/Bettystown is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2024 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2021 to 2024. Laytown/Bettystown has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2021 to 2024. Annual water quality ratings are generally calculated using monitoring results over a four-year period and are assessed against stringent bacterial limits to protect bather health. Lifeguard: Yes Dogs:

Good to know

Indoor / outdoorOutdoor
CostFree admission
What's thereSwimming Spot (Sea/Lake/River)
AmenitiesCar Parking, Dog Friendly, Toilets
AccessibilityThere are limited parking spaces for Disabled and Older Persons at Bettystown Beach.
Data from Get Ireland Active — Sport Ireland 2023, CC BY 4.0
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Car park
Toilets
Buggy-friendly
Café on site
Dog friendly
EV charging
Baby change facilities
Picnic area