When we arrived at the Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Ireland, I knew it was near Waterford, home of Waterford Crystal. That’s about it. I discovered that Tramore is a picturesque seaside town on Ireland’s southeast coast. Majestic Hotel is a lovely hotel with a splendid staff. The hotel, in the heart of Tramore, is a perfect location for exploring.
About Tramore, Ireland
As we piled off our tour bus (41 of us, plus the guide), Tramore was in summertime swing. The view from the hotel included a glimpse of Tramore Bay. Across the road, a walking trail through wildflowers and marshland and past a playground led to the shore. A small amusement park with its multicolored lights and downtown buildings sporting restaurants, ice-cream parlors, shops and a game arcade also beaconed. Everything about this location said, “Come on, explore.”
Inside the hotel, one finds many reasons to hang out. The lobby’s color palate captures the flavor of a seaside resort. Bold blue walls are the backdrop of black and white photographs of Tramore’s past. Paintings, photos of people connected with the hotel, lighting and furniture curated to create an ambiance of sitting rooms that give off a vibe of “settle in.”
At night, the view through the expansive glass windows is stunning. One can enjoy the comradery and buzz of the Majestic’s Lounge Bar or savor a quieter spot in one of the common rooms. The Lounge Bar has a casual pub atmosphere. Along with libations, one can get anything from light bites to sandwiches and entrees. I popped in here to check out the scene. Families, couples and solo travelers filled the place.
Friends of ours enjoyed drinks on the Lounge Bar patio before dinner. If we had more than an evening in Tramore before heading to the Waterford factory tour, I would have hung out a bit more myself.
Dining at the Majestic in Tramore, Ireland
Our dinner and breakfast were served in The Garden Room, a lovely dining room with large picture windows with views. One view is of a small garden patio space. Dinner is an order-off-the-menu venture while breakfast is a full buffet. The food here is excellent. As much as possible, ingredients are locally sourced. Seafood options are menu highlights. So is roast beef. My husband and I ordered different entrees so we could share. Each were delicious. Potatoes, of course, are a staple.
Our Hotel Room
Rooms range from Standard Rooms to Lakeview Suites. Our room, a Family Room had three beds–one double bed and two singles. If you want a view of Tramore Bay, book a Seaview Room. We were so pleased ours was a Seaview room. First, the view of Tramore Bay is terrific, and the burnt orange throw pillows on the beds and stylish modern lighting create a homey feel. I also liked the two comfortable lounge chairs with a small table between them for enjoying a cup of tea and the complimentary biscuits. There is instant coffee as well. Instead of a coffee maker typical of many American hotels, an electric tea kettle heats up water.
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For traveler’s convenience, there is a phone charging outlet next to each bed. The room’s bathroom bordered on luxurious. Like the room, it was tastefully appointed with high end toiletries, tile floors and walls, and contemporary fixtures. My husband was a bit cautious while using the walk-in shower since the floor felt slippery to him. I thought it was fine.
Rooms have a flat screen TV, a hair dryer (look in a dresser drawer) and an iron and ironing board. Wi-Fi works well and it’s free.
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, Ireland
With about an hour and a half before dinner to explore, I sought out advice of what to see. The helpful front desk staff person, a charming young woman who grew up in Tramore, Ireland gave me a map of the town. Marking it with the route the Japanese Gardens, she assured me it was just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. I’d have time to explore before the gardens closed in an hour. I hoofed it up the street past the hotel, and like she said, had plenty of time to take in each of the garden’s sections.
The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens are a fascinating gem. Lafcadio Hearn, born in Greece in 1850 to an Irish officer surgeon father and a Greek mother spent summers in Tramore. His life took him from Greece to Ireland to Cincinnati, Ohio to Japan where he lived until he passed away. His great grandson conceived an idea of the gardens as a way to pay tribute to his grandfather’s remarkable life. Each section of the garden represents a slice of Lafcadio Hearn’s journeys.
This is a beautiful place and one I feel so grateful to have discovered. My husband spied the sign to the gardens when we entered the town. I noticed the garden’s brochure in the brochure kiosk in the hotel’s foyer.
Our room was part of our tour package. You can book directly from the hotel or check out Hotels.com. I saw a rate there for $212. A sea view room is $254.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
