MY FIRST VISIT TO TRAMORE
TRAMORE THE BIG BEACH COUNTY WATERFORD [AUGUST 2025]
I had a few hours to spare so I decided to visit Tramore and it took me much less than an hour to get there from the Granville Hotel in Waterford. I had intended to revisit the town on the following day in order to search for and photograph examples of street-art and also visit the Metal Man but I got distracted by events and did not re-visit.
Getting to Tramore from Waterford City
Travelling to Tramore from Waterford City is very straightforward and easy. The two towns are located just 12 kilometres apart, and there is a frequent and direct bus service operated by Bus Éireann (Route 360) that connects them. The journey is short, taking approximately 18-20 minutes, with buses running every 30 minutes throughout the day. This makes it a very convenient and reliable option for commuters and visitors alike.
History and Origin of Tramore
Tramore, which translates from the Irish 'Trá Mhór' to 'big beach', was originally a small fishing village. Its transformation began in the late 18th century when it was discovered as a "pleasant retreat" for the citizens of Waterford seeking the benefits of "salt water". The town's growth as a tourist destination was significantly boosted by the opening of a unique, isolated railway line from Waterford City in 1853. This railway was integral to the town's development until its closure in 1961.
A key event in the town's history is the "Sea Horse tragedy" of 1816, when a military transport ship carrying soldiers, women, and children was wrecked in the bay, leading to the loss of over 360 lives. This event led to the erection of the famous "Metal Man" statues on the headlands in 1823, funded by Lloyd's of London, to warn seafarers of the dangerous waters. The seahorse also became a symbol of the town and was later adopted as the logo for Waterford Crystal.
In recent decades, Tramore has evolved into a "dormitory town" for Waterford City, with a large portion of its population commuting for work. The town council is now focused on promoting a more self-sustaining local economy.
Peak Season and All-Year Community
While Tramore has always been a popular tourist destination, it has developed into a settled, all-year community rather than solely a seasonal resort. Its population was recorded at over 11,000 in the 2022 census, making it the second-largest town in County Waterford.
The peak season for tourism is undoubtedly from Easter through to September, with July and August being the busiest months. During this time, the town's amusement park, beach, and other attractions are in full swing, and a large number of local and international visitors arrive. Surfing and water sports are particularly popular, and the town hosts a long-running annual horse-racing festival in August.
However, the town does not shut down in the winter. Its large community ensures that local businesses, schools, and services remain active all year round. The off-season also offers a different type of experience, with the beach still being a draw for surfers and walkers, and the cliff walks providing a rugged, scenic alternative to the summer crowds.
Street Art and Murals
While Tramore may not have the same concentration of street art as nearby Waterford City, which is known for its annual "Waterford Walls" festival, it has been included in the festival's expansion. The Waterford Walls festival has brought large-scale mural artwork to various locations within the county, including Tramore. Therefore, it is possible to find street art in the town, with pieces often commissioned to beautify urban spaces and engage with the local community.
I had a few hours to spare so I decided to visit Tramore and it took me much less than an hour to get there from the Granville Hotel in Waterford. I had intended to revisit the town on the following day in order to search for and photograph examples of street-art and also visit the Metal Man but I got distracted by events and did not re-visit.
Getting to Tramore from Waterford City
Travelling to Tramore from Waterford City is very straightforward and easy. The two towns are located just 12 kilometres apart, and there is a frequent and direct bus service operated by Bus Éireann (Route 360) that connects them. The journey is short, taking approximately 18-20 minutes, with buses running every 30 minutes throughout the day. This makes it a very convenient and reliable option for commuters and visitors alike.
History and Origin of Tramore
Tramore, which translates from the Irish 'Trá Mhór' to 'big beach', was originally a small fishing village. Its transformation began in the late 18th century when it was discovered as a "pleasant retreat" for the citizens of Waterford seeking the benefits of "salt water". The town's growth as a tourist destination was significantly boosted by the opening of a unique, isolated railway line from Waterford City in 1853. This railway was integral to the town's development until its closure in 1961.
A key event in the town's history is the "Sea Horse tragedy" of 1816, when a military transport ship carrying soldiers, women, and children was wrecked in the bay, leading to the loss of over 360 lives. This event led to the erection of the famous "Metal Man" statues on the headlands in 1823, funded by Lloyd's of London, to warn seafarers of the dangerous waters. The seahorse also became a symbol of the town and was later adopted as the logo for Waterford Crystal.
In recent decades, Tramore has evolved into a "dormitory town" for Waterford City, with a large portion of its population commuting for work. The town council is now focused on promoting a more self-sustaining local economy.
Peak Season and All-Year Community
While Tramore has always been a popular tourist destination, it has developed into a settled, all-year community rather than solely a seasonal resort. Its population was recorded at over 11,000 in the 2022 census, making it the second-largest town in County Waterford.
The peak season for tourism is undoubtedly from Easter through to September, with July and August being the busiest months. During this time, the town's amusement park, beach, and other attractions are in full swing, and a large number of local and international visitors arrive. Surfing and water sports are particularly popular, and the town hosts a long-running annual horse-racing festival in August.
However, the town does not shut down in the winter. Its large community ensures that local businesses, schools, and services remain active all year round. The off-season also offers a different type of experience, with the beach still being a draw for surfers and walkers, and the cliff walks providing a rugged, scenic alternative to the summer crowds.
Street Art and Murals
While Tramore may not have the same concentration of street art as nearby Waterford City, which is known for its annual "Waterford Walls" festival, it has been included in the festival's expansion. The Waterford Walls festival has brought large-scale mural artwork to various locations within the county, including Tramore. Therefore, it is possible to find street art in the town, with pieces often commissioned to beautify urban spaces and engage with the local community.