Racing in Tramore originally began on the beach back in 1785 and had become so popular with the locals that a 6-day meeting was held there in 1807 in mid-August (a tradition that continues to this day).
In 1888 a race committee under Martin J Murphy renovated the facilities and revived the racing. However, the course and facilities were in constant danger from stormy seas and in 1911 the course was so badly breached that time had to be called on the event. Undeterred, the racecourse company established a new course at Graun Hill on the outskirts of Tramore, where racing continues to this day.
On 1 January 2002 Tramore was the first racecourse in Europe to use the Euro currency and on 1 January 2000 held the first racemeeting of the new millennium in Europe when a record crowd of 11,000 turned up. The first race of the millennium, The Mean Fiddler Handicap Steeplechase was won by No Problem, trained in Cork by Gerard Cully, owned by Tommy Cronin and ridden by Waterford jockey Shay Barry.
The 1983 English Derby runner-up Carlingford Castle was galloped the 'wrong way round' at Tramore beforehand in preparation for the big race. The reason his trainer Liam Browne did this is because going left-handed at Tramore closely resembles (on a smaller scale) the unique gradients of Epsom racecourse. It nearly brought off a famous Irish win but Teenoso and a certain Lester Piggott were just too good.
The course underwent a €5million complete refurbishment inn 1997 under the new ownership of local racing enthusiasts. It continues to go from strength to strength.
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Tramore racecourse is where the turf meets the surf and it is one of the most intimate stages for racing in Ireland. The 4-day mid-August festival (incorporating 3 evening meetings) has everything a summer racing festival should have: sun (usually), sea, sand, spectacular racing and anything else that takes your fancy on a hot summers day. It offers a great opportunity to take a racing holiday because of the great amenities on your doorstep in Tramore, one of the premier seaside resorts in Ireland.
You won't have to work so hard to keep the children amused before or after the racing because they are catered for like at no other venue in the Tramore funfair and amusement park. During the Winter holiday season the first day of the 2-day New Year's Eve/Day meeting is a great place to start off those end of year festivities and the following day an even better place to finish them off in style. Tramore and Waterford people in general are an enthusiastic racing crowd and this, coupled with a strong following from surrounding counties, ensures a good atmosphere at all the meetings. The racing is an even mix of flat and jump races.
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The course is a right-handed, turning undulating track of one mile in length with an uphill climb to the winning post.
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By Road: 112km south-east of Cork and 170km south of Dublin. When coming from Cork follow signposts for Tramore located a few miles before the city. All other routes come over the bridge into Waterford City and follow signs for Tramore.
By Rail: Trains to Plunkett station in Waterford originate at Dublin Heuston, Limerick and Rosslare. There is a regular bus service between the station and Tramore.
By Air: Waterford airport is just 12km away with daily flights from London Luton airport.
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| Adult: |
€12 - €20 |
| OAPs & Students: |
€ 8 - €10 |
| Accompanied Children U16: |
Free |
Mid-August Festival
| Adult: |
€15 |
| OAPs & Students: |
€10 |
| Accompanied Children U16: |
Free |
August Meal Deal Tickets: €25 Admission, Racecard, Main Course Meal and Tea / Coffee
Group Discounts/Annual Badge available. Please contact the racecourse office for details.
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The Inside Track bar has a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a large conservatory and a capacity of 600.
The Front Room, a bar/function room (opened in 2003), is the latest addition to the racecourse. A comfortable setting with Panoramic views of Tramore Bay, its a relaxing place to have a drink during the races. There is also a self-service and a take-away restaurant. Additionally there is always live music after the racing.
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For the four days of the August Festival meeting the Front Room can be hired for groups of up to 200. A three-course buffet meal service is available throughout the day and afternoon tea will be served after the fifth race. A private bar will be available until one hour after the last race. Private Tote and CCTV facilities are available.
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All areas of the course are wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible toilets. There is also a baby changing facility.
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There are 16 fine golf courses within a 60km radius of Tramore including renowned local courses at Tramore, Waterford Castle and Faithlegg. Tramore holiday resort is within walking distance of the course and there are many villages along the picturesque Waterford coastline worth visiting. There are also numerous places of archaeological interest locally, especially in Waterford City.
Local Hotels
O'Shea's Hotel, Tramore, Tel: 051 381 246
Majestic Hotel, Tramore, Tel: 051 381 761
Grand Hotel, Tramore, Tel: 051 381 414
Granville Hotel, Waterford, Tel: 051 855 111
Tower Hotel, Waterford, Tel: 051 875 801
Waterford Castle, Waterford, Tel: 051 878 203
Waterford & Tramore Racecourse have secured exclusive rates in The Grand Hotel, Tramore and can offer special package of 2 nights B&B with 1 evening meal for only €109.00 per person sharing. Please visit www.grand-hotel.ie for further information or to make a reservation please email irene@grand-hotel.ie.
Local Restaurants
Coast Restaurant, Tramore
The Esquire, Tramore
La Palma (Italian), Waterford
The Ship, Dunmore East
Local Pubs
O'Neills, Tramore
Victoria House (The Vic), Tramore
Rocketts, Tramore
St Leger, Tramore
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