Tramore Racecourse

About the course

Tramore Racecourse, officially Waterford and Tramore Racecourse, sits just above the seaside town of Tramore in Co. Waterford, with wide views over Tramore Strand. It hosts both Flat and jumps racing and has about 11 race days a year.

The track is right-handed, with a circuit of just over seven furlongs. It is known for sharp bends, rolling ground and an uphill finish, and the jumps course has five fences per lap. It is a specialist track that suits nimble horses.

Racing in Tramore began on the beach in 1785 and was held there until 1911. It moved to the present site in 1912. In 1997 a consortium bought the course and invested in upgrading its facilities.

Big meetings and races

The Tramore Racing Festival in August is the highlight of the year. The festival has been held in August since 1807 and usually runs over several days in mid-August, with a mix of Flat and jumps races, evening meetings, style competitions and live entertainment.

The other big date is the New Year's Day meeting, which features the Grade 3 Metal Man Chase over two miles and six furlongs and attracts good-quality horses. The course also runs a students day in the autumn and races into November.

Getting there

• By road: the course is about 13km from Waterford city, around a 15-minute drive, and about 10 minutes' walk from Tramore town. Use the Eircode X91 XP29.
• By bus: Bus Éireann route 360 runs every 30 minutes between Waterford Bus Station and Tramore and passes the racecourse on race days.
• By rail: the nearest station is Waterford Plunkett, with trains from Dublin Heuston. From there, continue by bus or taxi.

Facilities and tips for visitors

Parking is usually free, with several car parks close to the main entrances and designated spaces for visitors with reduced mobility. On festival days, arrive early to get a good space and avoid queues.

There are several stands and tarmacked enclosures with views from different points around the track. For food, the Bistro opens two hours before the first race and serves self-service meals, tea, coffee and pastries, and there is an on-site fish and chip shop. The Inside Track Bar and the Tote Bar both have full bar service and TVs showing the racing, and tables can be reserved in the Graun Hill Suite.

For a general introduction to race days, see our guide to your first day at the races.

Nearby places to stay

Tramore itself is the most convenient base, within walking distance of the course and close to the beach. Waterford city, about 13km away, has a wider range of places to stay and good bus links to Tramore.

Other courses in the south east include Wexford and Clonmel.

Latest highlights

Highlights from Horse Racing Ireland on YouTube. Full race replays are on Racing TV.

More Tramore highlights