Laytown Races
Thursday 4th September 2025
Experience one of Ireland’s most unique racing traditions at the Laytown Races – the world’s only horse racing event run under official rules on a beach. Held each September on the sands of Laytown Strand, this one-of-a-kind spectacle has thrilled crowds since 1868.
Join us for this iconic day with hand-picked accommodation, official tickets, and seamless transport from Dublin. Soak up the atmosphere, the history, and the thrill of horses racing along the shoreline – and make your 2025 visit truly unforgettable.
Get in touch and start planning your Laytown experience today.
Frankie Dettori
RacingBreaks.com Founder & Ambassador
Ruby Walsh
RacingBreaks.com Ambassador
Laytown Races Experiences
Maldron Hotel Smithfield ✰✰✰✰
from £369 per person
Located in the heart of Dublin, the Maldron Hotel Smithfield is the ideal base for your Laytown Races experience. Just under an hour from the beachside racecourse, the hotel offers stylish, comfortable rooms, a relaxed on-site bar and restaurant, and easy access to Dublin Airport and city attractions. Perfect for racegoers looking to enjoy the excitement of Laytown by day and the best of Dublin by night!
What's included:
✔ Return airport coach transfers (private transfers upgrade available)
✔ Two (or more) nights accommodation
✔ Breakfast each morning
✔ Complimentary racing paper
✔ Return racecourse transfers
✔ Ticket to Laytown Races
✔ On-site Racing Breaks staff
Last Few Rooms Available - Book Now!
Dublin One Hotel ✰✰✰✰
SOLD OUT
Situated in the vibrant heart of Dublin, the hotel offers a modern, boutique stay just under an hour from the Laytown Races. With chic rooms, an inviting bar and restaurant, and excellent transport links to both the racecourse and Dublin Airport, it's the perfect base for your race day getaway. Enjoy the buzz of Dublin’s city life before and after experiencing this truly unique beachside racing event.
What's included:
✔ Return airport coach transfers (private transfers upgrade available)
✔ Two (or more) nights accommodation
✔ Breakfast each morning
✔ Complimentary racing paper
✔ Return racecourse transfers
✔ Ticket to Laytown Races
✔ On-site Racing Breaks staff
Hotel Now Sold Out!
Laytown Races Example Itinerary
Below is an example itinerary based on two nights accommodation in Dublin. Trip extensions are available if you wish to prolong your time in the city.
Day 1: Wednesday 3rd September 2025
- Arrive into Dublin Airport where you will have return transfers via the Dublin Express coach to your hotel. Upgrades are available to private vehicles upon request.
- You'll have the remainder of the day at leisure to head out an explore Dublin.
- Optional excursions to some of Dublin's most popular attractions can be added.
Day 2: Thursday 4th September 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- You'll then have the morning at leisure before being collected by coach and transferred to Laytown.
- You'll enjoy the full days racing at this unique venue!
- Following the racing you'll be transferred back to the hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Day 3: Friday 5th September 2025
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- You'll have the rest of the day at leisure until its time to catch your transport back to the airport.
- Additional nights in Dublin are available should you wish to extend your stay.
About Laytown Races
Laytown Races occupies a unique position on the Irish and English Racing Calendar as it is the only race event run on the beach under the rules of the Turf Club. An alternative surface to the usual turf, dirt, and all-weather, and far from the manicured grass of the likes of Ascot and Cheltenham. Laytown Beach is located on the East Coast of Ireland in County Meath with stunning sceneries that stretch across the Irish Seas. Racing takes place in September and is timed crucially with the pattern of the tide.
People travel from far and wide to witness the spectacle of horse racing on the beach in Ireland, with crowds in excess of 5,000 in attendance every year enjoying six races run over a mixture of six and seven furlongs.
Laytown Races Dress Code
There is no official dress code at Laytown Races.
As the event is exposed to the elements on the beach guests are encouraged to dress for the weather!
Laytown Races Schedule / Timings
Schedule is based on the 2024 event and can change due to the timings of the tide
14:30 Gates Open
16:35 First Race
19:05 Last Race
Reviews
"We booked the Laytown races trip with Racing Breaks. It’s been on our bucket list for years.
We were extremely impressed with the organisation and communications from start to finish and had a wonderful time. Everything went like clockwork. We also felt that the trip represented very good value for money.
Nice choice of hotel and a special shout out to Dave the rep who was really friendly and professional.
We would highly recommend this Company."
Anthony