Tramore Hidden History
The Seaweed Doll of Tramore
The bathing box women of Tramore were an integral part of the tourist industry. Segregated swimming was the order of the day. The men swam at the Men’s Bathing Place now known as the Men’s Slip. Women swam at the Women’s Bathing Place now known as the Ladies Slip.
The Women’s bathing boxes were run by the Bathing Box Women. They provided a number of functions to their clients. They hired bathing costumes, towels and the bathing boxes. They secured all valuables for their clients. They also ensured that men did not encroach on the “Women Only Swimming Area”.
A Unique Tradition
On 29th September each year the bathing box women made a tour of the town carrying a seaweed doll. The doll was known by a number of names, by some “Molly” and by others “Breeden”. The tradition was that they called to each house and made a collection at the end of the season. They paraded through the town and then threw the seaweed doll into the sea, which in itself is a unique tradition. This was their final act for the year as the bathing boxes were removed from the strand until the next season.
Michaelmas
The 29th September is the Feast of Saint Michael and all Angels. It signifies the end of the harvest and the start of Autumn. It was also the end of the tourist season in Tramore. In the past it was a custom to give Michaelmas Daisies as a present on this day. They were to help brighten the house as the darkness of the Autumn approached.
History by Paul Brent
