MyHome.ie are delighted to kick-off a new feature today called 'Get To Know Your Agent'.
Each week we will focus on a particular area of the country and speak to the agents on the ground to get their recommendations of the best that the area has to offer.
We're kicking off in Tramore, Co Waterford with contributions from Michael Griffin of Griffin Auctioneers, Barry Herterich of Property Partners Barry Herterich and Clodagh McDonald of Lawrence & McDonald.
So if you live in or near Tramore or equally if you're planning a visit there, check out their recommendations of the best places to check out.
Michael Griffin – Griffin Auctioneers
How long have you lived/worked in your county/area?
After returning from the U.S. in 2003, I began working as an estate agent alongside my father Brian Griffin. Since his passing in 2010 I have successfully grown the agency and have firmly established ‘Griffin Auctioneers’ as one of Waterford’s leading estate agency practices.
Favourite public amenity in your area?
Tramore Beach is quite simply amazing and has helped the whole community stay sane during the past year through Covid. We are lucky to have such a wonderful, beautiful amenity on our doorstep.
Favourite restaurant/coffee shop?
The town is thriving in recent years with many new businesses after opening. There are loads of great cafes and restaurants such as The Pier Café, Moe’s, Mollies & Brooklyn at the seafront. The Waterfront with its amazing veranda, The Beach House for top class cuisine and O’Neills & The Esquire for gastro pub flavour. The town centre is being revamped at present with the new Public Realm Scheme underway and major attractions such as Seagull Bakery, Mezze and The Vee hit the spot quite frequently.
Is there a local market or farmers’ market?
Priest Road on a Saturday has a wonderful variety of stalls. It’s a hive of activity and really adds a bit of atmosphere to the town centre and the weekends. Everything from fresh fish, fresh bread, jams, and vegetables can be sourced from the local market.
Best takeaway?
There are some great takeaways dotted around the town. Being a seaside town famous for fish n’ chips, Dooly’s, Massimo’s and McCarthy’s lead the way. Alan in Dooly’s always has a positive word and a laugh, so don’t leave Tramore without popping in for one of their famous specials day or night. You might even get a tip for a horse!
Favourite bar?
The ‘Vic’ has always been my local and it’s really after a getting a spark under new ownership, with Pat, Donagh and Sarah after doing an amazing job to the pub and the beer garden. The Ritz is an excellent venue also with a beautiful beer garden and top-quality pizza not to be missed. And O’Neill’s and The Old Forge for all major sport events. Murph’s is the go-to spot for live music too!
Favourite sporting facility?
There are loads and loads of great clubs in the area - soccer, GAA, tennis, golf, surfing, boxing, swimming and a host of others. There’s something for everyone of all ages and stages. If you are active, Tramore has it all but for me the beach is my favourite sporting facility where I can run/walk/surf/stand up paddle board and swim all for free all year round!
Favourite Place to Walk?
The Doneraile Walk is a real treasure, no matter how many times you stroll across there - no matter the weather it never fails to deliver. It’s absolutely breathtaking. There are plenty of benches to sit down and the Coastguard Cultural Station rests at the start of it where you can pop in for a coffee, some yoga or an art exhibition. The walk continues through The Pier along the Cliff Road outwards to the swimming mecca Newtown Cove the Guilamene. If you still have the legs, follow the loop to the Metal Man and back down Newtown Hill and sit yourself down at The Cove Stores for a 99’ and a coffee. That is a sure way to spend a day.
Area of Scenic Beauty?
Some years ago, friends of mine were in Australia and recall walking around Fraser Island in Queensland with a bunch of back packers from every part of the world. The back packers were in awe of the scenery, but the lads were saying it was just like the Sandhills back home. The others would not believe them until they went back to the hostel and the lads googled some images of Tramore’s sandhills, the back strand and saleens. It really is that beautiful and even boasts its very own microclimate down there. On a sunny day down there, there’s no place like it.
Best children's attraction in the area?
The ‘rock pools’ at low tide on the ladies slip is fantastic fun especially in the summer months, the kids love it. And the playground at Cannon’s Field is superb and a great place to catch up and have a chat with other parents while the kids run around safely.
Is there a must see in your area?
Get to the top of ‘The Baldy Man’ in the Sand Dunes, overlooking the back strand, a secret surf spot, a fishing haven and views back across the bay to the town and the mountains in the distance. It puts perspective on a lot.
The best thing about living in your area is...
The convenience, everything that you require is on the doorstep.
Barry Herterich - Property Partners Barry Herterich
How long have you lived/worked in your county/area?
I was born in Waterford and grew up in Tramore. I returned to live here in 2003 after being away for 12 years. It was the quality of life here that brought me back.
Favourite public amenity in your area?
The beach for surfing and the Back Strand and Sand Hills for a run.
Favourite restaurant/coffee shop?
I haven’t tried the Beach House yet because it only opened just before Covid and it was impossible to get into last summer but I heard it’s great. The view from the terrace in the Waterfront restaurant is spectacular. Brooklyn on the Promenade is great for pizza and The Ranch on Strand Road does a brilliant burger.
Is there a local market or farmers’ market?
At the moment there is a farmers’ market in the Church car park on Priests Road but I understand there are plans to possibly have one beside the old Railway Station at the entrance to Tramore.
Best takeaway?
Dooly’s for fish, Voujon for Indian, The Ranch for a burger, Brooklyn for pizza.
Favourite bar?
The Victoria House, or ‘The Vic’ as the locals call it, is a great bar with one of the best beer gardens in the country with spectacular views of Tramore Bay and Sand Hills. The Ritz by the Cove has a great atmosphere and if you want to watch any sport O’Neills beside my office on Main Street is the place to go.
