The popular Tramore Beach in Waterford is a fine spot for a stroll if you’re visiting or staying in the town.
With its name literally meaning “Big Strand”, the huge 5km stretch of Tramore Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Waterford.
The sandy strand has the lively town of Tramore at one end of it and the dramatic sand dunes of Brownstown Head at the other.
In the guide below, you’ll find info on everything from surfing and swimming at Tramore Beach in Waterford to where to park.
Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Tramore Beach
Photo by JORGE CORCUERA (Shutterstock)
Although a visit to Tramore Beach in Waterford is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
Water safety warning: Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!
1. Location
Tramore Beach stretches for an incredible 5km along the southeast coast of Ireland in County Waterford. Located in its own small cove, it lies in front of the town of Tramore which is just 13km south of Waterford City.
2. Parking
There is a big car park right along the beach with plenty of spots along the stretch of sand to choose from. However, it gets very busy on a warm summer day. The earlier you arrive for a good parking spot, the better!
3. Facilities
You’ll find public toilets, bins and seating areas all behind the beach in the car park area. The toilets and strand are also wheelchair accessible. There’s also plenty of restaurants in Tramore if you fancy a bite to eat.
4. Swimming
Tramore Beach is a popular swimming spot, and you’ll notice swimming groups meeting here often. Lifeguards are present at Tramore 7 days a week, from the second week in June to the end of August, from 11:00 – 19:00 (times and dates may change).
About Tramore Beach
Photo by JORGE CORCUERA (Shutterstock)
Tramore Beach is a long sandy beach stretching along a sheltered cove on Waterford’s Atlantic coast. The 5km long beach is flanked by Brownstown Head to the east and Newtown Head to the west, with the town of Tramore sitting towards the western side.
As you head further along to the quieter eastern end, the backdrop becomes dramatic sand dunes with a tidal lagoon known as Back Strand just behind the beach.
Tramore Beach is a popular spot for quite a few water-based activities, including surfing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. The sheltered bay has mostly calm water with some decent swells coming in off the Atlantic for keen surfers.
The town and strand draws quite a crowd on a warm summer day, with its location close to Waterford City making it extremely accessible for people wanting some fresh, sea air. Tramore town also has plenty of great restaurants and accommodation options to make a nice weekend escape out of it too.
Surfing on Tramore Beach
Photo by Donal Mullins (Shutterstock)
Surfing is one of the most popular things to do in Tramore and there are few beaches in Waterford that can go toe-to-toe with Tramore.
While Tramore Beach is for the most part sheltered from some of the wind, it still manages to pick up a bit of swell from the Atlantic making it a good spot for surfing. You won’t find huge waves here, but the relatively gentle conditions make it the perfect spot for beginners.
If you’re a complete newbie, you can find Tramore Surf School based right on the beach opposite the lifeguard’s hut. They offer surf lessons for everyone from groms up to experienced surfers.
They also have wetsuit and board rental, as well as, equipment for stand up paddle boarding if you want to try something different.
Surf lessons are €35 per person for group lessons which include all the gear, or you can just rent your own wetsuit for €10 and a board for €20 and have a go yourself.
Things to do near Tramore Beach in Waterford
One of the beauties of Tramore Beach is that it’s a short spin away from some of the best places to visit in Waterford.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the beach (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).
1. See the Metal Man
Photo by Irish Drone Photography (Shutterstock)
Towards the western end of the beach on Newtown Cove, you’ll find the unique monument known as the Metal Man. It was originally constructed as a maritime beacon in 1816 after a tragic ship sinking off the coast.
The figure is dressed in traditional British sailor clothing and stands on the edge of dangerous cliffs at the end of the cove. While you can’t access the statue up close, you can see it from various vantage points in town and on the beach.
2. Grab some food in town
Photo via Moe’s on FB
Tramore is home to some exceptional restaurants and cafes. From classy bars to traditional pubs and beachfront cafes, you can find plenty of options to suit whatever your tastebuds are after. See our Tramore restaurants guide for more.
3. Take a day trip
Photo by Madrugada Verde on Shutterstock
There are plenty of places to explore on day trips from Tramore Beach, including heading to Waterford City to explore Ireland’s oldest city. Otherwise, taking a spin along the Copper Coast reveals some interesting geological and historical features of the area. You can also jump on a bike and head along the Waterford Greenway.
FAQs about visiting Tramore Beach in Waterford
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Tramore Beach in Waterford to what to see nearby.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
Is there parking at Tramore Beach in Waterford?
Yes. There’s a nice, big car park right across from the beach. This will fill up quickly on the warmer weekends.
Can you swim at Tramore Beach?
Yes, you can swim at the beach here. Just beware of big waves at certain times of the year and always use caution when entering the water.
How long is Tramore Beach?
With its name literally meaning “Big Strand”, the huge stretch of Tramore Beach covers an impressive 5km.
Elisha is a freelance writer, content creator and blogger and her work can be read in Lonely Planet, Remote Lands and Matador Network. You’ll usually find her travelling in offbeat places or hiking wherever there are mountains; always with a camera in hand.