The ever popular National Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year when the 2023 event takes place on Saturday 29th July on Bettystown Beach.
For many this is a fun day out on the beach with the added novelty of watching the wonderful, and sometimes weird, creations emerging from the sand thanks to the skills of the sand sculptors who range in age from under-fives to over 70’s.
For most if the competitors it is aa bit of fun but for some, mostly males of a certain age, it is a very serious business and their creations are a combination of artistic merit and engineering skills, many of which will have been well rehearsed in advance.
It doesn’t pay to be too competitive about your sand sculpture though because, no matter how good or bad it is, whatever the skill and time it took to create, one thing is for certain –the tide will come in soon enough and wash itall away again. And that’s how every visit to the beach should end – with no trace left behind.
This is a chance for families, schools, businesses, neighbours to have fun and use their imagination to build Sandcastles and Sculptures. No experience is necessary and all are welcome.
Entry Fee
Senior Sculpture €5.00 per person – Registration 10.30am Entry Fee: Junior Sculpture €3.00 per person – Registration 10.30am to 2.30pm Sandcastle Starts at 2.00 pm Sculpture Starts at 10.00 am.
Official Rules
- Sandcastle and Sculptures must consist of sand, driftwood, shells and seaweed rocks and stones found on the beach on the day of the contest only.
- No permanent forms shall be included in your structure.
- The use of shovels, hoes, spatulas and spades etc. is permitted.
- Sand forms, buckets etc. can be used but only as forms.
- The castle or sculpture must be confined within the allotted space.
- Underage participants can be instructed but not aided as it is unfair to the other children.
- You can carve the title of your piece in the sand before Judging.
Judging Criteria:
- Originality/creativity
- Attention to detail
- Artistic impression
Judging Schedule
Judges will start touring at 3.00pm and should be finished at 4.00pm for the awards and prizes to be awarded at 4.30pm
Prizes
Senior Sculpture – 1st €500, 2nd €250, 3rd €100
Junior Sculpture- Categories for under 5 years, under 8 years and under 13 years and family. Prizes in each category are: First ––€50, Second – €30, third – €20.
Sponsors
The Cottages Ireland, Gilnas Cottage Inn, Meath Co Co, Local Fisheries Board, Bettystown Credit Union, Workspace Centre Drogheda and local Councillor Tom Behan.
