Staycation in Waterford

staycation in waterford tramore beach

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

pint of bulmers in raglan road pub tramore

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

things to do on staycation in waterfod
coastguard cafe tramore doneraile walk

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.

newtown cove guillamene swimming tramore
swimming at newtown cove

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

mezze tramore

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.

moe's cafe tramore

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

dooly's fish and chips 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.

aldi wine tramore beach

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

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Opening day, opening menu!

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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

Dunmore East Cliff Walk Waterford staycation

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

Waterford staycation
lunch at The Strand Inn Dunmore East

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

staycation in waterford dunmore east beach

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.

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