LAYTOWN RACES
Thursday 10th September 2026
Laytown racecourse is an extremely unique track as it is Ireland's only horse racing event run on a beach under the Rules of Racing. Laytown Racecourse is a seven-furlong straight track that is on a tidal beach. Racing takes place on just one day in September each year, with the races all run over either six or seven furlongs. Until the 2015 meeting, races commenced via a flag start, but stalls have now been introduced.
People travel 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. As the tide recedes in the morning of race day, the race course is quickly set up allowing for six races of between six furlongs and one mile. The majority of racegoers watch the action from an elevated field above the strand which is set up for the day with temporary marquees which act as the weigh room, the jockeys’ room, bars and restaurants.
Please do check out our Laytown packages below. If you have any questions our expert staff will be delighted to help you. Just call us on +353 59 8623 998 or Email us and we will build your perfect Irish Racing package exclusively for you.
Laytown Races
The Laytown Races first began in 1868, when races were run on the beach. Racing continued over the years and in the 1950s and 1960s, Laytown was considered an important meeting for horses preparing for the Galway Festival. Many of Ireland’s champion jockeys have ridden winners at the Laytown Races, including Ruby Walsh, Colin Keane, Pat Smullen, Joseph O’Brien and Declan McDonogh. Now a well attended annual event taking place in September each year the races take place close to the Irish Champions Festival Festival which allows for a fabulous combined racing trip to Ireland.
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LAYTOWN & IRISH CHAMPIONS FESTIVAL
9th - 14th September 2026
Join us for a Race and Stay exclusive 5 night trip this year arriving on Wednesday 9th September. Enjoy the unreal experience of the famous Laytown Races with horses racing on the beach on Thursday. A VIP tour of Kildangan Stud, Godolphin's breeding operation in Ireland, followed by lunch with legendary Curragh trainer Dermot Weld and a tour of his historic stables as well as our private tour of the Irish National Stud. Our exclusive Irish Champions Festival Preview show with dinner and, of course, the top class racing at Leopardstown on Saturday and The Curragh on Sunday. A fabulous tour with everything you need included.
Please note that all information is given "as is" at the time of publication. Your full guest information will be emailed to you during the last week of August which will contain all you'll need to know about your stay with us. If you have any questions about the Laytown Races please do email us HERE
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
" Once again I would like to thank you and your team for another wonderful festival experience, with a special thank you to Amanda, the way we are treated from arrival to departure is second to none & speaks volumes for your professionalism & dedication to your guests. " Brynn