Tramore

Quick Facts About Tramore

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.

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.

A small racecourse with a big reputation, on 1 January 2000, 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. On 1 January 2002 Tramore was the first racecourse in Europe to use the Euro currency

When faced with closure in 1997, local racing enthusiasts came together to purchase the Graun Hill venue and the course underwent a €5million complete refurbishmentIt continues to go from strength to strength and 2012 sees Tramore racecourse celebrating its Centenary Year.

Tramore Revealed

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.

On their infamous Family Fun Afternoons, you won't have to work so hard to keep the children amused before or after the racing because they are catered for. 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. 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. 

Course Characteristics

The course is a right-handed, turning undulating track of one mile in length with an uphill climb to the winning post.  

How To Get There

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. There is a regular bus service every 30 minutes between the station and Tramore (Route 360).

By Air:
Waterford airport is just 12km away with daily flights from London, Birmingham and Manchester Airports.

Admission

Adult:	€10 - €15
OAPs & Students:	€10
Accompanied Children U16:	Free

Mid-August Festival

Adult:	€15
OAPs & Students:	€10
Accompanied Children U16:	Free

Group Discounts/Annual Badge available. Please contact the racecourse office for details.

Refreshment Facilities

The Inside Track bar has a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a large conservatory and a capacity of 500. Additionally there is always live music after the racing.

There is also a self-service and a take-away restaurant.

The Graun Hill Suite is the latest addition to the racecourse. This room with panoramic views of Tramore Bay can be hired for groups of up to 200. During the Four-Day August Festival, BBQs and Corporate Hospitality serving three-course dinner is available throughout the evenings. A private bar will be available until on hour after the last race. Private Tote and CCTV facilities are available.

Disabled Facilities

All areas of the course are wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible toilets. There is also a baby changing facility.  

Après Racing

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	051 381 246
Majestic Hotel, Tramore	051 381 761
The Grand Hotel, Tramore	051 381 414
Granville Hotel, Waterford	051 855 111
Tower Hotel, Waterford	051 875 801
Waterford Castle, Waterford	051 878 203

 

Local Restaurants
The Vee Bistro, Tramore
The Seahorse Restaurant, Tramore
The Esquire, Tramore
The Esquire, Tramore

 

Local Pubs
O'Neills, Tramore
Victoria House (The Vic), Tramore