Laytown/Bettystown

About this spot

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.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

Yes

Parking

YesThere are limited parking spaces for Disabled and Older Persons at Bettystown Beach.

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

YesThere are limited parking spaces for Disabled and Older Persons at Bettystown Beach.

Dogs

Yes

Public transport

YesDrogheda - Laytown bus route. Train station at Laytown.

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Laytown/Bettystown is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Laytown/Bettystown has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2022 to 2025. 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.

Common questions

Can you swim at Laytown/Bettystown right now?

Laytown/Bettystown is currently marked "Good to go". No current pollution alerts — always assess conditions yourself. This reflects the latest data published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland). Conditions change quickly — always assess the water yourself before entering.

What is the water quality like at Laytown/Bettystown?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Laytown/Bettystown as Excellent in 2025. Classifications are a rolling assessment of bacterial samples taken over four bathing seasons, measured against E. coli and intestinal enterococci limits set by the EU Bathing Water Directive.

Is there a swimming ban or warning at Laytown/Bettystown?

There are no active bathing restrictions published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) for Laytown/Bettystown. That is not a guarantee of safety — assess conditions yourself.

Is there a lifeguard at Laytown/Bettystown?

Yes — Laytown/Bettystown has lifeguard cover. Cover is seasonal; check locally before relying on it.

What facilities are there at Laytown/Bettystown?

Laytown/Bettystown has toilets, parking, accessible entry. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).