Top Things to Do in Tramore, Co. Waterford

I was in Ireland in the middle of summer when I suddenly craved real, beating sun, ice cream, and surf. I turned my attention to a map of the country and, more specifically, to what locals call the “sunny southeast” — my best bet for a much-needed dose of vitamin D.

My earlier research on Ireland’s love affair with surfing had already put a seaside resort on my radar. On the south coast, the small town of Tramore, Co. Waterford, had embraced surfing since the late sixties and even hosted the first Irish National Surfing Championships in 1967. That sounded promising.

With my accommodation and train ticket booked, I headed to Ireland’s south coast for the first time. Sunny Tramore did not disappoint. Here’s my first-hand guide to the best things to do in this vibrant seaside town.

Why You Should Visit Tramore, Co. Waterford

If you’re planning a summer trip to Ireland and looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination along the Irish coast, Tramore in County Waterford should be high on your list.

Located in the southeast of Ireland, this quintessentially Irish seaside town sits on a hill with a church at its very top, overlooking the stunning Tramore Bay. With its lively pubs, inviting cafés, and various dining options, Tramore has everything you need for a satisfying holiday. Add in a 5 km stretch of sandy beach, and the town becomes the perfect coastal escape when the warm summer days arrive.

Once a humble fishing village, Tramore was transformed into a popular holiday spot after a railway line connecting it to nearby Waterford was built in the mid-19th century ﹣ though the railway is sadly no longer in operation. Just 10 km south of Waterford and still easily accessible by public transport, Tramore remains an ideal overnight stop for those looking to explore beyond the bustling Viking city and relax by the sea.

Tramore’s authentic summer vibe and relaxed atmosphere are sure to charm you. As I arrived in Tramore, the sun was radiating over the town, casting the shadow of seagulls over well-maintained green lawns. Surprised by the heat, I had to reach for sunscreen in my bag’s side pocket. Sun lotion all over my pasty white face, I smelled of coconut like a tourist who just landed in sun-kissed Antigua.

Along the seafront, I found locals in flip-flops, strolling along the promenade, where lines were forming fast outside the ice cream hut. Surf instructors waded waist-deep into the water, encouraging aspiring surfers, while families were settling on the beach and teenagers were rushing into the waves, unfazed by the cold Celtic Sea.

In short, Tramore is the under-the-radar seaside town perfect to experience an authentic Irish summer break

You may also be interested in:
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– Why You Should Visit Haunting Duckett’s Grove in Co. Carlow
– Things to Do in Ireland on a Budget | 11 Affordable Experiences
– Irish Pub Etiquette | How to Avoid a Cultural Faux Pas

The Best Things to Do in Tramore

Enjoy the Beach, the Ice-cream and the View

Tramore. The name says it all. That is, if you know Irish. Like I do. No, not really… The truth is that I made the connection only because the clue was written right under my nose on the free illustrated map I found at my B&B, courtesy of Tramore Tourism Office. Tramore in Irish writes “trá mhor” meaning the big strand. With a 5 km long stretch of sand and pebbles that disappears into the horizon, Tramore rightly deserves its name. 

Seeing the beach for yourself is the very first thing you will want to do in Tramore. When I arrived at the seafront, the sun was shining high above the blue flag as it waved over the lifeguard station; all Tramore was at the beach on this hot summer day. Kids were running around collecting the smoothest stones. Teenagers were bracing up before diving straight into the crashing waves, the cold water swiftly forgotten as they disappeared once more into the green water.

On the promenade overlooking the beach, fast melting ice-cream is the sweet treat of choice. I couldn’t resist very long. From Brooklyn Cafe’s beach hut, I soon emerged with a 99 ice-cream in hand, resolute to not let the beating sun ruin most of it. Risking a brain freeze, I swallowed the ice-cream as fast as I could. Yet my fingers were already sticky.

The long stretch of golden sand and pebbles offers the perfect spot for a long, relaxing walk along the shore. If you look eastwards towards Brownstown Head, two distinctive white pillars stand above the cliffs against the blue skyline. Like the remains of a Greek temple overlooking the Aegean Sea, three more can be seen facing the Celtic Sea on Newtown Head on the opposite side of Tramore bay.

The pillars were not built to celebrate or appease the Gods though. They are here to warn against the bay’s treacherous waters. At the top of one of the pillars rising on Newtown Head stands the Metal Man. Built in 1823 after the sinking of HMS Seahorse and the loss of 360 lives onboard, the giant metal sculpture dressed in British sailor clothes warns ships to keep out of the dangerous rocks.

Visit the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

Among those who enjoyed Tramore beach as a child was a man who would travel the world and settle in Japan. Looked after by his Irish great-aunt, Patrick Lafcadio Hearn spent his childhood summers learning to swim in this seaside town. Later working as a journalist in the United States, he then moved to Japan where he achieved fame as a writer.

Hiding behind tall stone walls in the middle of town, the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens celebrate the life of the local literary figure. Opened just a few years ago, the gardens have been quietly taking shape as vegetation grows to form a living story book recounting Lafcadio Hearn’s eventful life.

From the symmetry of the colourful Victorian garden to the tranquil pond of the garden of peace and harmony, the place reveals countless interesting features as you wander along its winding path. I stumbled upon fairy doors suddenly appearing at the bottom of trees, teasing the existence of a magic world. From the top of the gardens, a spring gently makes its way through successive ponds, carrying soothing sounds to the lowest point of the gardens. 

Like the final phase of a meditative journey, you reach the Zen Garden. Suddenly aware of my own serenity, I wondered if the untold ambition of the Lafcadio Hearn Gardens was after all for the visitors to leave with their mind in peace. 

Watch the video of my visit below:

Take Surf Lessons in Tramore

Brightly coloured surfboards stacked up against the wall of a surf shop, an old cottage painted in red now home to a trendy surf school. On Riverstown Road, minutes away from the beach, is the surfers’ corner.

Home of Ireland’s oldest surf club, Tramore has been a centre of surfing since the 1960s. Its beginner-friendly beach-break has seen countless children and older daredevils learning to ride the waves of the cold but invigorating Celtic Sea.

Hidden in a quiet cul-de-sac off Riverstown Road, a palm-tree and parasols are casting their shade over picnic tables outside the Freedom Surf School. Behind the reception desk, tanned (or sunburnt?), friendly faces wait to fill up their teaching slots for the coming days. When the wind picks up, some good waves are to be expected. 

I fell in love with the sport when visiting Ireland’s west coast, and I wasn’t going to miss a chance to get back on the board. Soon I was sitting outside the Freedom Surf School among a small group of strangers trying to look comfortable in their tight-fitting wetsuits, listening closely to qualified instructors going through the basic surfing techniques. We were soon on our way to the beach, walking in pairs, a surfboard under each arm. 

For 90 minutes or so, you get to chase the waves under the instructors’ supervision and cheerful encouragement, barely feeling the cold thanks to the thick wetsuit. While some of the students vanished under their board (and re-emerged!), I was happy to show off my improved surfing skills, reaching the shore still standing (ungracefully though) on my board. 

Time flies when you are having so much fun. The lesson will soon be over, and you will be dragging your board back to the shore, already planning more time in the waves the next day, I promise you!

Places to Eat in Tramore

The food scene in Tramore was a real surprise. From restaurants to pubs, from fish n’ chips to cafés, Tramore had plenty to satisfy my hungry belly. These are my favourite spots.

On The Waterfront could be the restaurant with the best view over the bay if you fancy having a drink on its terrace before relishing on a tasty burger.

Judging by the queue forming outside Dooly’s, this fish n’ chips is clearly a popular choice in Tramore. It has two locations: one down the Promenade and one up the hill on the Main Street. The crowd wasn’t lying. Dooly’s Fish n’ Chips was non doubt the best I had in a long time.

Dragging my feet along Tramore’s steep streets looking for an afternoon snack after surfing, I stumbled upon Mezze. Located on the Main Street, Mezze is a deli offering original Middle-Eastern food and home-made treats. Sitting by the window, I enjoyed a delicious caramel and raspberry square with an orange blossom iced tea, all I needed to put back some energy in my tired body. The café also doubles up as a shop selling local food and products like the lusciously scented Kilfarrasy vegan soaps. 

Where to Stay in Tramore

With few centrally located hotels, finding a nice and affordable place to stay in Tramore had been slightly challenging. I had envisioned myself staying at the 4 star Majestic Hotel, drinking wine while contemplating the shimmering bay, dressed in white summer clothes matching the hotel’s glaring facade. In reality, this place was clearly outside my budget. Sigh.

As is typical in small Irish coastal towns, B&B’s in Tramore offer a cheaper alternative, maybe not as glamorous but still very decent and comfortable. Conveniently located just a short walk from the bus stop, Beach Haven House was my port of call for the weekend.

An 8-bedroom modern house minutes away from the seafront and restaurants, Beach Haven House has the location nailed down. My room on the top floor was small but bright, cosy and absolutely spotless. Through the window, I even caught a glimpse of the sea glimmering in the distance. 

Breakfast is served at the back of the house, the morning sun warming up the room. On the menu: Irish breakfast, pancakes, French toasts and never-ending refills of coffee. Stuffed and fully awake, I was ready to enjoy a real slice of summer.

You can read my full review of Beach Haven House or visit booking.com for more options. If visiting during peak season, it is imperative to book early, as holiday accommodations are in short supply in Tramore.

How to Get to Tramore

Tramore by Car

If you decide to rent a car in Dublin, you can reach Tramore in about 2.5 to 3 hours. The drive south is straightforward, thanks to the motorways. Once on the M50, take the M7, then continue on the M9 to Waterford.

As you drive down the M9, you’ll see signs for Kilkenny. This charming heritage town is just a few kilometres off the motorway, offering a great opportunity for a slight detour to explore Kilkenny’s top historical sites before continuing your road trip to the south coast.

Once in Waterford, follow the R675, and you’ll be in Tramore in about 15 minutes. Convenient parking is available along the promenade, right by the beach.

Tramore by Public Transport

Located just over 10 km south of the Viking city of Waterford, Tramore is also easily accessible by public transport. I travelled to the coastal town all the way from Dublin by train and bus, and I can honestly say that the journey was quite smooth.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can board the train to Waterford city from Dublin Heuston Station. With a train every 2 or 3 hours, departures to Waterford are fairly regular. However, I would recommend booking online to make sure you have a seat (and buying online can be WAY cheaper in Ireland).

As I sat comfortably aboard the train and started daydreaming about beaches and sunsets, booking online soon revealed itself to be the best idea I had for this trip. As the train was about to depart, it was suddenly besieged; the alley was obstructed by sleeping bags, yoga mats and backpacks too big to fit into the overhead compartments. A young crowd was taking over the train, heading to a music festival I had never heard of. Slightly delayed, the train finally departed, full to the brim.

A smooth two-hour ride later, you will disembark in Waterford Plunkett Station, located just on the edge of the city. You will then have to make your way to Waterford bus station. But do not panic. The bus station is located along the city’s quay, a mere 10 minutes walk from the train station.

Look for the bus 360. This bus heads to Tramore every 15 minutes. You can conveniently buy a ticket at the automat. Once on the bus, you’ll be there in just 20 minutes.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Tramore and I would recommend this quaint Irish seaside town to anyone looking to escape the crowd and enjoy the beach while in Ireland. But do not leave the area before visiting Waterford. Too often snubbed by tourists, the oldest city in Ireland has a rich heritage that deserves your attention.

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