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!
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Example itinerary

Laytown Races Example Itinerary

This 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.

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Day 1

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.​​

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Day 2

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.

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Day 3

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?

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Laytown Beach Racing & Irish Champions Festival Experiences

The ultimate racing weekend!

In 2026 the iconic Laytown Beach Racing is taking place on Thursday 10th September, 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!

Hotel experiences

Laytown Races Experience

from £399 per person

Last Few
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

Irish Champions Festival & Laytown Races Experience

from £699 per person

Last Few
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
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
"Great experience from start to finish with Racing Breaks. Dave, Tom and the rest of the team are a credit to the company and we can’t wait to book with them again."
2023
"Great trip to the Irish champions weekend, everything very well organised and great value for money, would book again."
Jennifer, 2023
"Incredible day out at Royal Ascot. The space they reserved and the organising of the day was exceptional value versus anything you could ever organise individually. Would also note that everyone else who’d got tickets through them were exceptionally friendly so it actually felt like a group event. I look forward to my next trip with them"
George, 2024
Contact

Your ultimate racing break starts here

Tell us a little more about what you’re looking for, and our team will craft the perfect racing escape tailored just for you.

Call:

0800 193 6646

Email:

General Enquiries:info@racingbreaks.com

Customer Service:reservations@racingbreaks.com

Concierge/VIP:concierge@racingbreaks.com

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