Laytown and Bettystown

May 2013

If it’s big, open beaches you want then Laytown and Bettystown will be right up your alley. Running alongside both towns the whole stretch must be at least 5 kilometres long so there is loads of room for running, walking and playing.

For swimmers this is not one of the great locations. When the tide is out it’s a bit of a trek and the brown sandy water can be a bit off putting for some. On the plus side the water was nice and calm when we were there and the wade in is gradual. With soft sand underfoot this is a good place for kids to splash and play.

Bettystown in particular is a popular location and it gets busy during the summer. Parking is allowed on a part of the beach which is unattractive and you can have the occasional driver racing around the place. Watch out if you have young children. The parking here has to be paid for.

There are small dunes at the back where you can set yourself up and get a bit of shelter. However, you would be well advised to bring your windbreak. Both Laytown and Bettystown are wheelchair and buggy accessible.

These are very much family type beaches and quite ok for a dip as well.

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Directions

From Dublin take the M1 toward Belfast . Leave it at exit 7 and follow the signposts. You hit Laytown first and if you need wheelchair access watch out for a right turn in the town which leads you to a small entrance onto the beach. Further on this road there is a larger place to park overlooking the beach and with steps down to it.

Bettystown is about 4 kilometres further along this road and in the centre of the town watch for a right hand turn with a blue parking sign which will lead you directly onto the beach.