Official Laytown Races 2026 Hotels, Tickets & Hospitality

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.

Why book with Racing Breaks

Official Tickets & Hospitality

As a partner of Laytown Races we only offer official tickets

Exclusive Events

Join us at exclusive celebrity drinks evenings and other unique events

Bespoke Experiences

Let our team of racing & travel experts build your perfect itinerary with your choice of hotel, hospitality and more

On-site Racing Breaks Team

You’ll be joined in Dublin by our team of racing & travel experts who will be on hand to assist you 24/7 to ensure you have the best trip.

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Laytown Races with Racing Breaks

Join us at this iconic event held the beach! With accommodation in central Dublin you’ll be well positioned to get the most out of your few days in Ireland.

Exclusively for 2026, book our Laytown Races & Irish Champions Festival experience, combining both events over one incredible weekend in Dublin.

All trips can be customised to suit individual preferences.

Overview

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.

Day 1

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.

Day 2

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?

Day 3

Laytown Races Experiences

All experiences include accommodation, transfers, your choice of tickets/hospitality and more.

Laytown Races Ticket Options

As the racing takes place on the beach, there is only one option enclosure / ticket option. This general admission ticket gives you access to watch the racing, view the Parade Ring and enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic event.

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.

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 Raceday 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

There are regular flights to Dublin from many UK airports. Our experiences do not include flights, but they can be added to your package if required.

We book your racecourse transfers to coincide with your flight timings.

Reviews

"Wow, what an experience! Racing on a beach (and it wasn't raining and not too windy!). We loved it, we have discussed doing it for years but never got round to it, that's where Racing Breaks came in. All organised in one place and so easy to book. What's next, maybe The Derby!"

Freddie, 2025

"Seeing horse racing on the sands at Laytown was incredible, and Racing Breaks took care of every detail from tickets to transport and a team on-site to help us. "

Jenny, 2025

"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."

Mike, 2023

Freddie, 2025

"Seeing horse racing on the sands at Laytown was incredible, and Racing Breaks took care of every detail from tickets to transport and a team on-site to help us. "

Jenny, 2025

Mike, 2023

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Laytown Races