"Stay away stay away stay away from me, for I am the man of misery" is supposedly what the man atop…read morethe pillar shouts. To be honest, he looks like a giant smurf - white pants, blue shirt. During storms, ships used to try to shelter in Tramore Bay. Only to be welcomed by rocks. One of the masts of these unfortunate crafts now stands on Tramore Beach's backstrand as a further reminder of the treachery of the bay's hidden rocks. So the locals hoisted pillars on each headland of the bay - to the east on Brownstown Head, and on the west headland (called Westown) the Metal Man. It's a lovely walk through the fields along the coast out to the Metal Man - start at Newtown Cove and tramp the mile or so around the inlets and through the fields. You'll need sturdy shoes and a waterproof/windbreaker: even if it's not rainy, it will most likely be windy. The view is well worth the effort.

If the Pier is where every Tramorian learnt to swim, Newtown Cove is where they learnt to live in…read morewater. It's a very steep cove with a stony sea bed, and a short pebbly beach. A concrete platform and walkway runs the length of the Southern cliff, with ladders and ramps to allow quick access to the water, without the bane of sandy-feet. In summer the high-diving board is installed, and kids spend their days practising their moves. Backed by lovely shady woods, it has everything (including public loos and changing rooms) necessary for a trip to the seaside.

Tramore's hidden heart. Worth a visit at any time of year. It's a long walkway through a small…read morehidden park along the cliff-face. Access through a small doorway halfway up Church Road, walk through the park, past the cannons of long sunken ships, the sea-cliff cottages, the tennis courts, and exit by the desolately haunted barracks into Love Lane. It's my favourite walk in Tramore - the whole beach and bay sweep before you. On a windy winter's day you have the best view of the sea-horses and surf stretching all the way to the open sea 3 miles away.

This is a secret beach known only to locals. It's part of what's knows as the "Copper Coast" -…read morehaving coarse red sand. The beach consistency itself is unusual - it's a sandy bed, with occasional stripes of shale/slate washed up along the tide-line. There may, or may not, be a small sign-post directing you to it. In any event, turn off the main road at the strange house of glass. You'll find yourself in a small car park, and will see a narrow precarious path through cliffs down to the beach. It's a smallish beach backed by high red cliffs, and on a sunny day is marvellous - the red sand soaks up the sun and roasts the soles of your feet. It's known for jellyfish though - nice pink ones - we always associate jellyfish with heat, maybe the red sand warms up the water and attracts them in? A great place to visit - never too crowded in summer and isolated in winter, lovely deep water when the tide is in. Not long enough for a bracing walk though, it's more a swimmer's cove than a walker's beach.

Spent a few St. Patricks Days here. One of my favorite places in the world. Amazing views, family…read morefun and the majestic fort overlooking. Get there...