Having never visited before, I decided that at less than a couple of hours drive from Dublin, a staycation in Waterford would make for the perfect quick getaway. I’ve been out west a good bit, but I was after more of a traditional seaside holiday vibe, so we settled on a B&B in Tramore. To be honest, it was so last minute and during the summer holidays that our accommodation options were limited.
The bed and breakfast was perfect though. Spotless, comfy, reasonably priced, within walking distance of everything and served a decent brekkie, so I’d definitely recommend. Find Sea Court B&B here.
Day one was a washout, the rain was torrential, so much so that even the Japanese Gardens closed their gates. But a cosy pub and some good grub and booze quickly improved matters. Raglan Road is one of those pubs you can imagine used to be packed to the rafters
And the Ritz Bar is another good option, with lots of covered outdoor seating and food from The Shack who serve excellent pizzas, sides and salads
Now for some sunnier activities, the Doneraile Walk is a gorgeous coastal path with amazing views over Tramore Bay. Stop by the Coastguard Cafe for a coffee on the way back and sit in their spacious garden overlooking the sea
If you fancy a dip, Newtown Cove & Guillamene is the place to do it. There are steps into the sea or if you’re brave – a diving board. On a sunny day this could be the South of France, absolutely stunning.
Where to eat in Tramore
Mezze Middle Eastern Deli is not to be missed, not the best picture but I got this mezze box to take away and you can almost smell the garlic and fresh herbs from the photo. Really tasty and well-priced. The store also stocks some hard to find condiments and wines, there are a few seats to eat-in too, plus a courtyard. Just around the corner Seagull Bakery sells brilliant sourdough, cakes and pastries
Along the beach you’ll find Moe’s Cafe with lots of outdoor seating. We had takeaway sandwich and salad, both were polished off sitting on the sand. Molly’s next door is popular for coffee and cake.
You simply cannot have a seaside holiday without some piping hot fresh fish and chips dripping in salt and vinegar straight out of the paper. Dooly’s is famous in Tramore
There’s an Aldi right beside the amusements in Tramore, grab a bottle of wine, pack and picnic and sit on the seafront. Simple bliss.
One the Waterfront was highly recommended, they’re open for breakfast lunch and dinner and now have rooms too if you want to stay. Beach House Tramore wasn’t open on the days I’ve visited, but if you’re there Wed-Sat, I’ve heard great things
We continued our staycation in Waterford over in Dunmore East, just a 20 minute drive away. There’s another coastal cliff walk with gorgeous views from the off, starting behind the ‘old convent’ and reaching as far as Portally Cove. East Pier, close by is apparently the spot for fish and chips (or oysters and bubbles) in Dunmore, especially if the queues were anything to go by
In the centre of town there’s a little slipway into the sea, ice cream and coffee shops, and The Strand Inn with a lovely menu and wine list with loads of outdoor seating at the Bar & Terrace
Depending on the tides, you may need to go to the other beach up the hill behind The Strand Inn and then down the ramp onto the sand
Just 20 minutes from Waterford city centre, where you can visit House of Waterford (crystal) and the Viking Triangle. There’s loads to do within short distances of each other on a staycation in Waterford, everything is pretty handy.
For more staycation inspiration, check out my review of Cabu cabins in Cavan or a three day itinerary in Co. Down.
