Racing on the Strand
The first racecourse was built in Tramore in 1785. Racing on the Strand became a popular entertainment for locals and visitors to the town. By 1807, a six-day event was being held there every August. For Lady's Day at the Tramore Races in August 1870, 3276 people bought return tickets on the Tramore line.
Advertisement for the Tramore Races, April 1924
The Tramore Races have been in existence for more than tow hundred years. They still attract large crowds. The popularity of the races grew in the 1800s with the opening of the Waterford to Tramore railway which gave greater numbers of people easy access to the race meetings.
© Waterford City LibraryAdvertisement for the Tramore Races, April 1924
© Waterford City Library
© Waterford City Library
Advertisement for the Tramore Races, April 1924
The Tramore Races have been in existence for more than tow hundred years. They still attract large crowds. The popularity of the races grew in the 1800s with the opening of the Waterford to Tramore railway which gave greater numbers of people easy access to the race meetings.
© Waterford City LibraryThe construction of the railway from Waterford in 1853 boosted attendance at the race meetings. Racing was discontinued for a number of years when the race meetings became a scene for fights and other disturbances.
In 1880, a new racecourse was opened on reclaimed land. Over the next number of years extra facilities were added, including a cycle track and golf links.
In 1911 the racecourse and other attractions were flooded beyond repair. A new course was built away from the sea at Graun Hill where races are still held.
The August races still attract huge crowds more than 200 years after the first races were held in Tramore.