IT IS DIFFICLT TO DECIDE WHERE ONE END AND THE OTHER BEGINS
I had family related reasons for visiting Laytown today [11 May 2014] but as I arrived at Laytown Station with time to spare I took the opportunity to photograph the area between the station and the local church but by the same token I was on a tight schedule.
Even thought I lived in Bettystown for a number of years ... actually, as I worked in Dublin I spent my weekends across from the golf club in Bettystown. However I could never where Laytown ended and Bettystown began.
Laytown and Bettystown: Two Villages, One Beach
Laytown, a seaside village in County Meath, is easily accessible from Dublin by train. As you disembark at Laytown Train Station, you'll find yourself just a short walk from the beach. The village itself is compact, with a handful of shops, pubs, and cafes clustered around the train station and the main street.
As you stroll along the beachfront, you'll notice a gradual transition from Laytown to its neighbouring village, Bettystown. There's no clear demarcation line, but the change in atmosphere is subtle yet noticeable. Bettystown has a more modern feel, with newer housing developments and a wider range of amenities, including a golf course and a shopping centre.
History and Origins of the Names
While Laytown and Bettystown share a contiguous coastline and have become increasingly intertwined over the years, they do have distinct histories.
Laytown: The name "Laytown" is believed to derive from the Old Norse word "leitr," meaning "slope" or "hillside." This likely refers to the gentle slopes leading down to the beach.
Bettystown: Bettystown's name has a more romantic origin. It's said to be named after Elizabeth "Betty" Tichborne, the wife of a local landowner in the 18th century. Bettystown's development as a seaside resort began in the late 19th century, with the construction of hotels and guesthouses to cater to the growing number of visitors attracted by the area's natural beauty.
Today, Laytown and Bettystown are popular destinations for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The long sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely walks, while the nearby countryside offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing by the sea, Laytown and Bettystown have something to offer everyone.
I have come across some accounts that describe Laytown as a "fishing village" but I would suggest that any fishing activity is taking place would most likely be beach fishing with rods, targeting species like sea bass. The expansive beach provides ample space for anglers to cast their lines, and sea bass are known to inhabit the waters off the coast.
Even thought I lived in Bettystown for a number of years ... actually, as I worked in Dublin I spent my weekends across from the golf club in Bettystown. However I could never where Laytown ended and Bettystown began.
Laytown and Bettystown: Two Villages, One Beach
Laytown, a seaside village in County Meath, is easily accessible from Dublin by train. As you disembark at Laytown Train Station, you'll find yourself just a short walk from the beach. The village itself is compact, with a handful of shops, pubs, and cafes clustered around the train station and the main street.
As you stroll along the beachfront, you'll notice a gradual transition from Laytown to its neighbouring village, Bettystown. There's no clear demarcation line, but the change in atmosphere is subtle yet noticeable. Bettystown has a more modern feel, with newer housing developments and a wider range of amenities, including a golf course and a shopping centre.
History and Origins of the Names
While Laytown and Bettystown share a contiguous coastline and have become increasingly intertwined over the years, they do have distinct histories.
Laytown: The name "Laytown" is believed to derive from the Old Norse word "leitr," meaning "slope" or "hillside." This likely refers to the gentle slopes leading down to the beach.
Bettystown: Bettystown's name has a more romantic origin. It's said to be named after Elizabeth "Betty" Tichborne, the wife of a local landowner in the 18th century. Bettystown's development as a seaside resort began in the late 19th century, with the construction of hotels and guesthouses to cater to the growing number of visitors attracted by the area's natural beauty.
Today, Laytown and Bettystown are popular destinations for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The long sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely walks, while the nearby countryside offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing by the sea, Laytown and Bettystown have something to offer everyone.
I have come across some accounts that describe Laytown as a "fishing village" but I would suggest that any fishing activity is taking place would most likely be beach fishing with rods, targeting species like sea bass. The expansive beach provides ample space for anglers to cast their lines, and sea bass are known to inhabit the waters off the coast.
IT IS DIFFICLT TO DECIDE WHERE ONE END AND THE OTHER BEGINS