Laytown / Bettystown Beach, Co. Meath |
Bettystown, is just 5 miles from Drogheda and attracts many day-trippers but also welcomes kiters either water or land based. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS
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| The beach is very long and wide (when the tide is out!) with hard sand. The tide is constantly changing the shape of the beach and as a result creates wide sand banks that vary in height. There is a lifeguard on duty from May – Oct and a Coastal Warden who often patrols the beach and has the power to issue speeding tickets or to remove trouble-makers. The beach is accessible to cars which is good for unloading equipment but are often a hindrance to kite flyers. Therefore kiters should avoid the populated areas of the beach. |
Benone Beach |
Benone Kite Surfing |
Skytiger |
| Other beaches in the vicinity include Seapoint and Gormanstown. Seapoint Beach can be found outside the village of Termonfeckin, Co.Louth. It is a long and quiet beach with firm sand and it too is subject to frequent shape changes. It is inaccessible to cars but there is a car park nearby. Gormanstown, is south of Laytown / Bettystown beach and is near Mosney and it too is a good spot to do some kiteflying. Entrance to the beach is from Julianstown and just keep following the long windy road and turning left at the T-junction. It is advised to leave your car by the gaelic pitches. |
Benone Beach |
Benone Kite Surfing |
Skytiger |
| Kite flying is a relatively new sight in Bettystown but is gaining in popularity with Blades, Stackers and Sky Tigers to be seen flying. It is best to head northwards on the beach so as to avoid most of the buildings which may affect the wind pattern especially if you are unfortunate enough to have an offshore wind! Like most beaches, if an onshore breeze is blowing buggiers will have a full run of the beach. However, be advised that the beach attracts many walkers, families etc who can and do stand too close. Land yachts are a common sight on the beach as are jet skis in the water. There is also a golf course nearby. |
| Being so close to Dublin, Bettystown attracts many day-trippers but if you wish to stay over there are a few options – the Neptune Hotel, the Village Hotel which also offers self catering homes, some B&B’s and a number of caravan parks. |
| For a small village it has a number of take away restaurants as well as a Centra and Londis so you won’t starve! Alternatively, you can dine in the Neptune Hotel or the Baachus and both offer great sea views. For a more exciting nightlife it is advisable to head for Drogheda where there are plenty of pubs and clubs.
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| The coastal drive between Drogheda and Dundalk is enjoyable and the beaches of Seapoint, Port and Clogher Head are too tempting not too fly in! Alternatively look at www.meathtourism.ie for other suggestions. |
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