The hotel was originally built by Bartholomew Rivers in the 1790s. For over two hundred years it remained as a fully operational hotel until it closed in 2014. It has always been one of the most notable structures in Tramore. It was originally known as “The Great Hotel”
Martin J Murphy took a lease of the hotel in 1897. He was secretary of the old Race Course on the back strand and personally invested in the Race Course. He was the last member of Parliament for East Waterford to serve at Westminster. As a Member of Parliament he obtained funds to build the Tramore Promenade.
On Tuesday 20th April 1897 he lit up Tramore as he had installed an eight horse power generator in the Great Hotel to bring the first electric light to his hotel and the town of Tramore.
Hundreds assembled from all parts of the town to witness the novel spectacle. The illuminating power of light was very fine and gave the large building a splendid appearance. The brilliancy of the light spread for a long distance down the town.
The great consensus of feeling that prevailed, was that the lighting of Tramore by the electric light would prove of immense advantage to the town. It was described as a grand site.
Under his ownership the name of the hotel changed to “The Grand Hotel”
History by Paul Brent
