Laytown Races

Laytown Races www.laytownstrandraces.ie. Racing on the strand since 1868. Next race day: Thursday 4th Sept 2025.

History/About Laytown Races
Laytown races occupies a unique position in the Irish racing calendar as it is the only race event run on a beach under the Rules of Racing. Many generations of people from the Meath area and the bordering countries have fond memories of their visit to the strand at Laytown and of the colour and the excitement of race day. Laytown strand races have been in existence fo

r one hundred and forty years. The first recorded meeting was in 1868 when races were run on the beach in conjunction with the Boyne Regatta. It is assumed that the rowing competition took place on the high tide and the racing when the tide receded. Initially the races were a side show to the regatta and were only organised when the combination of high and low tides allowed the racing on the beach at the conclusion of the rowing events. Charles Stuart Parnell, the great Home Rule leader, was one of the first stewards of the strand races. In 1901 the local Parish Priest became involved in the organisation and despite the disapproval of the Bishop of Meath the races became a well organised event. In those days strand races were quiet common being run in places throughout Ireland such as Milltown Malbay in Co Clare and nearer home at Baltray and Termonfeckin. The racing continued throughout the years and in the nineteen fifties and sixties Laytown was considered an important meeting for horses preparing for the great Galway Festival. In those days there were no all weather surfaces for training horses and the sands at Laytown were considered ideal preparation for the Galway track.

06/09/2025
🎉 NEW LOOK, SAME ICONIC RACES! 🎉We’re thrilled to reveal our brand new logo as we kick off the four-week countdown to La...
07/08/2025

🎉 NEW LOOK, SAME ICONIC RACES! 🎉

We’re thrilled to reveal our brand new logo as we kick off the four-week countdown to Laytown Races 2025 🏇🌊

Thanks to the expert work of the marketing and design team, our brand identity has had a fabulous glow-up! ✨
Our tagline pays homage to our proud history of racing on the strand since 1868, while our new colour palette and primary logo reflect the uniqueness of Laytown Races and help us share our story in a bold and meaningful way.

🧢 Branded merchandise is on the way — watch this space! 👀👀

🗓 Save the Date: Thursday 4th September 2025
🕓 First Race: 4.30pm
🚪 Gates Open: 2.30pm
🎟 Tickets: www.laytownstrandraces.ie

What a wonderful day we had at Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh in Laytown for the launch of the Laytown Races Colouring Competi...
31/05/2025

What a wonderful day we had at Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh in Laytown for the launch of the Laytown Races Colouring Competition, in partnership with the school.

We were thrilled to have racing legend Ruby Walsh join us to chat with the children and present a specially commissioned cartoon by renowned racing artist Birdie.

A memorable day filled with smiles, stories, and plenty of colour – one we’ll never forget! 🎨🐎✨

Laytown Races

18/09/2024
17/09/2024
17/09/2024

Address

Laytown Strand
Laytown

Telephone

+353419823614

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Laytown Races posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Laytown Races:

Shortcuts

Share

Category