Bettystown
The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Bettystown is a beach on the Ireland coastline with a Blue Flag award, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open throughout the season, though it's worth checking local safety arrangements before you go. May, June,…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Bettystown
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Bettystown?
Bettystown is a beach on the Ireland coastline with a Blue Flag award, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open throughout the season, though it's worth checking local safety arrangements before you go. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. The Blue Flag certification comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, which sets rigorous criteria that appeal to families and environmentally minded travelers.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Ireland certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Bettystown faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Feb | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Mar | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 9°C | Med |
| Jun | 15°C | 12°C | Med |
| Jul | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Aug | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Oct | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Nov | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Dec | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Bettystown is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 16.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 13.4°C in July.
How crowded does Bettystown get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Bettystown sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Bettystown open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Bettystown
Is Bettystown safe to swim?Bettystown is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Bettystown?Peak water temperature at Bettystown reaches around 13.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.1°C.
What is the beach like at Bettystown?Bettystown on the The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown coast of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Bettystown have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Bettystown meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Bettystown sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Bettystown
How do I get to Bettystown by car?Bettystown is approximately 23.38 km from County Meath. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Bettystown?The nearest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB) (DUB), approximately 31.1 km away.
Can I get to Bettystown by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to County Meath. The nearest recorded bus stop is 203 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Bettystown?Bettystown lists Laytown as the nearest railway station, 2.31 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Bettystown
Open the map or get directions to the Bettystown pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 150 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 203 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 53.7003°N, 6.2439°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Bettystown FAQ
Is Bettystown suitable for children?
Bettystown has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Bettystown free to access?
Access to Bettystown is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown, Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Bettystown?
The best time to visit Bettystown is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 13.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Bettystown?
Bettystown is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Bettystown?
Bettystown is located in The Municipal District of Laytown — Bettystown, Ireland. It is approximately 23.38 km from County Meath. The nearest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB) (DUB), 31.1 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore IrelandWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Bettystown
- An Taisce - Blue Flag
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.