Waterford and Tramore Railway

Tramore, from the Irish name meaning 'the big strand', has always been a popular seaside resort and residential area for citizens of Waterford.

Cockle Seller, Tramore

A Tramore cockle seller at the turn of the 20th century. Cockles are a type of shellfish. They were a popular snack at seaside resorts in the past.

© Jack O'Neil

Cockle Seller, Tramore
© Jack O'Neil

Cockle Seller, Tramore

A Tramore cockle seller at the turn of the 20th century. Cockles are a type of shellfish. They were a popular snack at seaside resorts in the past.

© Jack O'Neil

Enlarge image

Tramore became an increasingly popular destination from the late 1700s onwards. A number of reasons contributed to its popularity. Around this time, bathing in the sea became a fashionable activity for the well off. Also, from the mid-1800s, people who worked in cities began to have more leisure time. People who lived in Waterford City were able to take day trips to Tramore or even spend a week there on their annual holiday.

Tramore Train, 1932

Three men pose with the Tramore train in 1932. The railway line from Waterford to Tramore opened in 1853 and closed in 1960.

© Jack O'Neil

Tramore Train, 1932
© Jack O'Neil

Tramore Train, 1932

Three men pose with the Tramore train in 1932. The railway line from Waterford to Tramore opened in 1853 and closed in 1960.

© Jack O'Neil

Enlarge image

The establishment of a railway line connecting Waterford City to the seaside town in 1853 made the town more accessible. The railway line also allowed people to live in Tramore and commute to their jobs in the city.

In this section we are going to learn about the Waterford and Tramore Railway. We will also look at some of the activities the people of Waterford City enjoyed when they reached Tramore.