I don’t think I have ever felt as deeply in love with my home town, Tramore, as I did this evening as the sun was setting. The intensity of the feeling is very difficult to describe but it was undoubtedly fuelled by the fact I knew that my best friend from Tramore was on her way home from far away to attend her father’s funeral.
We had messaged each other a few times during the day and she wrote at one point that she was doing okay but she wasn’t so sure how she would be when she got to Tramore. It seemed as if this lovely seaside town was doing everything it possibly could to ease her homecoming and soften the sadness of death.
By October each year, Tramore is pretty much back to itself after the hectic tourist season which swells the population, especially in July and August. The town is small enough that most people are at least nodding acquaintances with each other and there is a very strong sense of community, especially at times of sadness and joy.
As I was standing on the historic Promenade, with the waves splashing through the distinctive railings, I realised that this is the place in the world where I feel totally at home.
The arms of Tramore Bay have a special embrace and the sound of the sea is the sweetest I know, especially when it whispers beneath the full moon, just like it’s doing now with midnight approaching under the fullest of full moons.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
What a special place for a home coming Jean. Beautiful and heart warming.
Val x
Hi Val, thanks for writing. Yes, Tramore is special to me and many, many more.
Jean…my condolences to your friend.
I know that when I DO get to cross the pond and visit Ireland, I will definitely be contacting you so that we may walk, arm in arm and visit this place you so love…
Dale, thanks for your kind words.
I look forward to those walks!
Me too! It will happen!
Jean, this seems to be such a wonderful, peaceful community that, I would some day like to visit, take some great photos, especially during sunrise and sunset. As an American citizen, I’ve visited few European countries, but not Ireland yet.
Rod, lovely to hear from you. If you want scenery then Ireland is definitely your place. Take a look at Catherine’s blog (next comment) http://www.foxglovelane.com for further enticement. She’s just won the Best Photography Blog in Ireland for the second year in a row and lives a few miles from here.
That is so beautiful Jean, I love your passion and deep sense place. x
Thanks Catherine. I suppose I can only ask how could one not be passionate about Tramore! Hope you’re feeling better.
I can’t help preferring my seaside town when the tourists have gone home. It sort of opens up the views again and there’s space to breathe. Of course, beautiful places attract tourists and we need them to keep the local economy going, but I’m not personally good with crowds and clatter.
Sarah, I suspect most people who live in seaside towns share your views. However, tourism is key and also I think it does us locals good to meet with people from all over the world and somehow see our place through their eyes. One of the things I particularly like is meeting people who come back to Tramore year after year and have pretty much become part of the town. I miss them when, for some reason, they don’t come for a season.
I am glad your friend has you.
I feel I’m very fortunate to have her!
Beautiful SB. Thank you for sharing your hometown with us.
Thanks Paul, my pleasure absolutely!
Beautiful Jean. Autumn and winter are my favourite seasons already, but I love it when the coast is less crowded and you can enjoy it in all its solitary beauty.
Yes, there’s a real magic about beaches where the sand has no footsteps. Always makes me think of Robinson Crusoe!
The great thing about Tramore Beach is that it’s three miles long so it is never, ever crowded apart from the area near the Prom and in a way that feels like it should have people!
Beautiful post and photos, Jean, and I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s loss, too…
Thanks very much, Lauren.