Tramore, Waterford

Meaning “Big Strand”, Tramore is one of the most aptly named towns in the region, with its famous 5 km golden, sandy beach surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and one of the regions most popular resorts. Most of the traffic coming to Tramore comes from the Waterford City direction, but the most spectacular approach to this exciting resort is the route from Annestown and the coast road to the elevated western suburbs of the town. The panorama of Tramore Bay, broken by the peninsula, which carries the promenade and the strand, with the protecting arm of Brownstown Head beyond, is truly magnificent. The town itself is built on steep hills rising up from the beach.

Tramore has been popular with holidaymakers for 200 years. In 1785 this one-time fishing hamlet was transformed into a thriving resort by Bartholomew Rivers, a wealthy Waterford merchant. Tramore has continued to grow and is now one of the leading resorts in Ireland, still charming first time visitors who vow to return.

Things To Do in Tramore

Whether you want to lie on the beach, take cliff walks, enjoy local amusements, play golf or try some water activities, Tramore is the ideal resort. It has something to offer everyone of every age, with plenty going on all year round.

The long rolling waves in Tramore attract swimmers, and, of course, surfers. Surf lessons and equipment are available locally. Sailing lessons and sea kayaking are also available. However if braving the elements isn’t for you, then Splashworld might be what you’re looking for – make a splash on the water slides, in the bubble pool or on the river ride, crest the waves created by the wave machine, all whilst enjoying the tropical temperature of 90º.

For a fun day out for all the family visit the Amusement & Leisure Park, opposite the promenade (open in the summer).

The Tramore Walk and Doneraile Walk offer breathtaking views from the cliffs and surrounding areas.

Another exhilarating walk follows the strand to the Burrow at the end of the beach. Allow two hours (approx) for the walk and much longer if you appreciate wildfowl. Brent geese, redbreasted mergansers, choughs as well as the migrant egrets and scoters can be seen and appreciated in this lovely environment.

Tramore is also home to one of Ireland’s many exciting racecourses. The original Tramore Racecourse was laid out by Bartholomew Rivers in 1785 in the Riverstown area. The coming of the railway in 1853 increased the popularity of the sport and a new racecourse was laid by Lord Doneraile and James Delahunty, a local entrepreneur. Racing continued here until 1912 when the area finally succumbed to the sea, which had first breached the protecting sandhills the year before. A new racecourse was then built at Graun Hill and this picturesque course continues to hold regular meetings during both the Flat and National Hunt seasons. The holiday racing festival in mid-August is a “must” for race-goers and visitors alike. The atmosphere, banter and colour of this event capture the fun and excitement of an Irish race meeting like few other events can.

Or if you want to learn how to ride, why not try the Lake Tour Stables just outside Tramore. In addition to the expected range of services they provide trail rides and hacking in a professional but relaxed manner, calculated to match the holiday mood of their visitors. Beach treks are provided in off-season.

Enjoy a round of golf on Tramore Golf Club, magnificent 18-hole Par 72 Parkland Championship Golf Course and afterwards take in the magnificent view from the clubhouse of the course framed by the Comeragh Mountains. This venerable old club moved to its present location in 1936, but up to that time had enjoyed a links layout around the sandhills. It finally had to give way to the inexorable progress of the sea. The nearby Newtown Driving Range allows golfers to practise their skills.

Tramore beach is also popular for beach angling. The estuary flowing into the back strand has produced a number of specimen flounder and bass in recent years. Other species in the nearby coastal waters include pollock, dogfish, dabs, coalfish and whiting. The cliffs around the resort offer excellent rock and reef fishing.

For more leisurely pursuits Tramore House & Gardens are definitely worth a visit while you are in the area.

For any single people hoping to find true love, don’t forget to visit the Metalman. This colourfully painted figure poised on the headland in Westown since 1824.

However you decide to fill your days in this lively resort, you will be spoilt for choice in the evenings. Fish and chips, pub food, family-run restaurants, sophisticated dining are all available in abundance. Traditional as well as many ethnic-style restaurants available.

Those looking for entertainment will not be disappointed with every type of music - traditional, country & western, jazz, rock - resounding through the air. Or maybe you would prefer to relax in your hotel and enjoy a cabaret featuring popular artists and comedians. For the energetic there are discos and nightclubs, some featuring many well known international acts.

Tramore Map

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