After a short stay near Dublin, my boyfriend and I borrowed his mother’s yellow Mini Cooper and road-tripped down to the most South-Easterly part of Ireland, in the ancient province of Munster, staying a few miles outside of Waterford, in a charming seaside town called Tramore. Tramore holds all the delights of the seaside that I remember as a child, and then a few more. I don’t remember the pubs being as interesting when I went on my family holidays as a 10 year old. But Tramore is a perfect blend of Irishness and the coastal towns I love so much. Each night my boyfriend’s family (and lots of extended family, second cousins and great uncles galore) would congregate at the local GAA club: The Gaelic Athletics Association sports bars that are such a pillar of community, supporting hurling and Gaelic football alike. Here we’d drink, look at the unique decor, and even listen to some traditional accordion music.
Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside
During my stay, we did your usual; candyfloss and fresh donuts, picnics on the beach and losing money like there’s no tomorrow at the amusements. I also can’t miss out the golf: pitch and putt and the crazy sort. I felt like a kid again, relaxed and with no concept of money. It helps that my boyfriend’s family are so generous and treat me as their own.
There was one thing I didn’t expect however, and that was a diving board at a swimming club not far from the town centre. We drove out to a cliff and descended the steep stairs that led to a small diving board, with deep turquoise waves crashing off the rocks surrounding this cove. My heart was racing and every part of me wanted to run off that diving board into the cold sea. After some protests by my boyfriend, I finally pleaded that I could handle the current then proceeded to head up to the board.
The water was refreshing to say the least but the thrill of plunging into the water was just as breathtaking. As the tide that turned away other swimmers went out, the small spot then gained a lot more custom from locals in their wet-suits (smart) who jumped in with no hesitation, swam out and even climbed the rock faces. We went back the next day too, this place felt like a little slice of paradise.
The food was brilliant, I didn’t get a single bout of food poisoning which is a huge risk at some seaside towns in England in my experience. One thing I always think when I’m in Ireland is how genuinely lovely and friendly everyone is, so welcoming and charming, even if I can’t always understand what’s being said. The importance of kind locals are devastatingly underrated in my opinion, it can really make or break a trip. Anyone was willing to stop and have a chat, patrons of the pubs or fellow beach-goers, I chatted with the best of ’em. We also managed to drive to Waterford for a bit more sightseeing and shopping.
The streets of Waterford 
Herbie rides again
It was a beautiful trip and two and a half hours drive from Dublin on the motorway, and it’s well worth the drive. There is a coastal drive too, which I’ll be sure to do next time.
Thanks for reading, until next time.
What’s next Cassie 