Laytown Races
Thursday 10th September 2026
Frankie Dettori
RacingBreaks.com Founder & Ambassador
Ruby Walsh
RacingBreaks.com Ambassador
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 visit truly unforgettable.
Register your interest now and be first to hear about our experiences once the 2026 date is confirmed!
New for 2026 - book our Laytown Races & Irish Champions Festival experience!
Laytown Races Experience
Laytown Races Experience ★★★★
from £399 per person
Located in the lively Smithfield district of Dublin, the Maldron Hotel Smithfield offers a comfortable, contemporary stay just under an hour’s journey from the Laytown Beach Races. With spacious modern rooms, a welcoming bar and restaurant, and convenient Luas Tram access right on your doorstep, it’s an ideal base. Soak up the energy of Dublin’s city life before and after experiencing this one-of-a-kind horse racing spectacle on the sands of Laytown.
What's included:
- Return airport coach transfers (private transfers upgrade available)
- Two (or more) nights accommodation at the Maldron Hotel Smithfield
- Breakfast each morning
- Complimentary racing paper
- Return racecourse transfers
- Ticket to Laytown Races
- On-site Racing Breaks staff
Limited Spaces - Book Now with just a 10% deposit!
Laytown Beach Racing & Irish Champions Festival Experiences
The ultimate racing weekend!
In 2026 the iconic Laytown Beach Racing is taking place just two days before the Irish Champions Festival gets underway. We are delighted to offer this exclusive trip combining racing at Laytown, Leopardstown and the Curragh - a must for avid racing fans!
Irish Champions Festival & Laytown Races Experience ★★★★
from £699 per person
Located just 5 mins from Leopardstown Racecourse, the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown is the perfect base for your Irish Champions Festival / Laytown weekend. Enjoy the hotel's lively on-site bar, a choice of three dining options and excellent transport links to Dublin airport. Dublin City Centre is also within easy reach for those looking to experience all the city has to offer post-racing!
What's included:
- Return airport coach transfers
- Four (or more) nights accommodation at the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
- Breakfast each morning
- Free drink at the hotel
- Ruby Walsh Drinks Evening
- Private tour of the Irish National Stud & Gardens
- Return racecourse transfers (including Thursday to Laytown)
- Ticket to Laytown Races
- Weekend ticket to the Irish Champions Festival
- Daily Racing Post
- On-site Racing Breaks staff
Limited Spaces - Book Now with just a 10% deposit!
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.
Wednesday 9th September 2026
- Arrive into Dublin Airport where you will have return coach transfers 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.
Thursday 10th September 2026
- 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.
Friday 11th September 2026
- 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 or why not consider combining your Laytown trip with the Irish Champions Festival that kicks off on Saturday?
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 2025 event and can change due to the timings of the tide
14:30 Gates Open
16:30 First Race
19:10 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