The countdown is on to one of Waterford’s biggest annual sporting and social occasions, as the Tramore Racecourse August Festival returns from Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th August.

General manager Owen Byrne, speaking on WLR, outlined how the four-day meeting has grown into a major driver for the local economy, contributing an estimated €3.5–€5 million to Waterford city and county. With around 26,000 racegoers expected and 28 races across the festival – all fully sponsored – hotels are booked out and bars and restaurants in both Tramore and the city are set for a vital late-summer lift.

Byrne, who has been at the helm in Tramore for eight years, brings a diverse background in marketing, retail and branding, with previous roles at Macy’s, Armani Exchange, Champion Sports and Waterford Crystal, as well as a stint with Horse Racing Ireland. A lifelong racing enthusiast and former owner himself, he describes Tramore Racecourse as a community-based business that relies on strong local support and careful cost control in a challenging, highly regulated industry.

The August Festival is a key fixture, at Tramore Racecourse, employing up to 400 part-time staff and effectively turning the venue into a “little village” for the week. While media rights are crucial, Byrne stresses that racegoers’ attendance and enjoyment remain at the heart of the operation – with the seaside setting a unique draw for both Irish and UK visitors.

Tickets and further information are available directly from Tramore Racecourse and its social media channels.