Tramore, Co. Waterford is probably the best-known seaside town in Ireland and the translation of its Irish name Tra Mhor is ‘big strand.’ I feel extremely privileged to reside in the town and to live just a few minutes away from the beach which has such natural appeal and beauty.
Tramore Bay towards the Metal Man
Yesterday evening, a tweet from someone looking for solutions to writer’s block caught my eye and my response was: ‘ go to where there is water, ideally the sea, and let the ripples gently re-ignite your creativity. See it as cleansing! The person tweeted back early this morning to saying: ‘ love this idea, and will be running my bathroom taps asap! too wet outside to go out!!! thank you x.’
This little exchange was on my mind this morning as I headed down to the beach in Tramore. The sun was blazing, and the tide was out. It seemed to me that the three miles of golden sand were like nature’s page presenting infinite angles and ideas and touching every sense imaginable.
Expanse of Tramore Beach
I knew that the tide would be perfect for a swim at around tea-time and also that a whole new vista would present itself when I reached the Prom. The comforting arms of the Bay, as I always think of them, Brownstown Head and the Metal Man, seemed to be much closer than earlier; there were more people around ; and the miles of sand were now covered with the full tide.
Enjoying the Surf
While I was thinking of how the waves were turning the page of the sands of morning, the sky drew my eyes toward an intense rainbow over the Bay revealing a full range of colour which was almost too much to absorb.
Rainbow over Tramore Bay
Swimming in this bliss, I wondered if the bath had sorted out my Twitter friend’s writer’s block or if she should get on a plane or train and come to Tramore Beach tomorrow where I know that more and more wonders and inspirational beauty will unfold.
Posted by thevanbrown on July 19, 2012 at 10:42 am
I’ve had a lifetime dream of living near the coast. The ocean and beaches are magnets to my soul. Thank you for sharing these photos. I can smell the salt water, and hear seabirds as I look at them.
Posted by socialbridge on July 19, 2012 at 10:47 am
Van, I know I’m very lucky to be able to live so many people’s dream. Maybe you should think about a visit to this lovely part of the world?
Posted by Anne on July 19, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Lovely Jean
I am enjoying the pleasures of Tramore at the moment and I too have been writing about the sea and its transformative impact for me. Ciao for now
Posted by socialbridge on July 19, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Anne, thanks for writing. I’m delighted you are enjoying Tramore and soaking up its wonders.
Posted by john on July 22, 2012 at 2:04 pm
The Waterford Coast: is there anywhere more beautiful? I have had one swim so far this year in Kilmurrin, a beautiful cove just between Annestown and Bonmahon, themselves inviting strands. Damn it come hail or shine I’m off this week and I’ll chance a dip.
Posted by socialbridge on July 22, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Hi John, that’s sorted then! Come for a dip in Tramore this week!
Posted by Sandy on July 23, 2012 at 8:39 pm
After the last seven years almost of living in New Mexico with very little water around, I am now in Gulfport, Mississippi near the water. Although it has been too rainy lately to spend much time there, just knowing it is only a few miles away makes me feel better. Lovely blog post, and great photos.
Posted by socialbridge on July 23, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Sandy, I really appreciate your comments and am delighted you’ve enjoyed reading this post. There have been periods of my life when I have lived inland and somehow the craving to get back to the sea, and especially to Tramore, always knawed away. It is such a relief to be settled by the sea now and I can totally identify with the point you make about the importance of knowing that water is not far away.
Posted by Sandy on July 23, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Is it cheap to live there? I’m retiring this year, and looking for where I want to be. How’s the winter there?
Posted by socialbridge on July 24, 2012 at 12:19 am
Sandy, Tramore is a wonderful place to live as it is both beside the sea and near historic and vibrant Waterford City. I couldn’t say it is cheap to live here but there are many riches to make up for that! As for our winters, Tramore is in the south-east of Ireland and we have the best of the Irish weather. Winters tend not to be harsh by US extremes and we see relatively little snow or very low temperatures here. Well worth researching and checking out as a place to live whether in retirement or otherwise.
Posted by Nancy on July 29, 2012 at 2:14 am
The Great South Bay, where I live, has always been a source of peace and inspiration for me. Whenever I think of moving to a place further inland all I need to do is ride my bicycle down to the shoreline and the thought dissipates! Your pictures and thoughts about Tramore remind me of why I choose to live near the shore!
Posted by socialbridge on July 29, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Nancy, thanks for writing. Isn’t it interesting that the sea, no matter where, can have such magnetism. I think some of it is to do with the fact that it has so many moods and changing faces while at the same time having a constancy that is so very reassuring.
Posted by decadence on September 22, 2012 at 12:52 am
hello , love your post , I hope to be soon part of your lovely town , I love the views and the sea air , and love that waterford is so close .I have met so many lovely people in tramore and its a jewel in the Irish landscape , I will see that stunning coastal every day very soon from my bellvue , thanks for post , and great pics
Posted by socialbridge on September 22, 2012 at 2:33 am
I’m delighted to read that you are planning to come and live in Tramore. Yes, a jewel for sure! Thanks very much for your kind comments.