More Than a Leisure Centre
Splashworld is Tramore’s community-owned aquatic, fitness and leisure centre, a not-for-profit facility operated by Tramore Water Centre Group CLG. For over 30 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of the community, providing swimming, fitness, water safety education and family-friendly recreation for locals and visitors alike. Everything we earn is reinvested back into the facility and the community we serve.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To provide accessible, inclusive and high-quality aquatic and fitness services that promote health, wellbeing and water safety for the people of Tramore and the wider community.
Our Vision
To be the premier community aquatic and leisure facility in the South East: a place where everyone, regardless of age, ability or background, can enjoy the benefits of water-based recreation, fitness and lifelong learning.
What We Stand For
Our values guide every decision we make, from how we maintain our facilities to how we welcome every person through the door.
Safety
Water safety is at the heart of everything we do. We maintain the highest standards of pool safety, staff training and facility management.
Community
We exist because of our community and for our community. Every decision considers the needs of locals, families, schools and community groups.
Inclusion
Everyone is welcome at Splashworld. We actively work to make our facilities and programmes accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards across our facilities, our programmes and our customer experience, and we continuously work to improve.
Wellbeing
We promote physical and mental health through aquatic recreation, fitness and active lifestyles, for our visitors, members and staff alike.
Sustainability
As custodians of a community asset, we are committed to environmental responsibility and the long-term financial sustainability of our facility.
What We Offer
Splashworld is more than a swimming pool. We’re a full aquatic and leisure facility, home to a waterpark, gym, swim school and a wide range of community programmes.
Waterpark
Wave pool, water slides, splash zones, bubble pool and timed public swim sessions.
Gym & Fitness
Cardio, strength, free weights, dedicated studio and group fitness classes.
Swim Academy
1,500+ children weekly, structured levels, holiday camps, PAWS school programme and disability swimming.
Wellness & Recovery
Sauna, steam room, bubble pool and warm leisure pool.
Our Story
From a community dream in the early 1990s to a €3.2 million EU-funded energy upgrade. Here’s how Splashworld became the South East’s favourite leisure centre.
Splashworld Opens Its Doors
After years of fundraising and planning by a dedicated community group, Splashworld opens on 17th July 1993 as the Tramore Water Centre. Built with support from Waterford County Council, EC Structural Funds and local community investment, the new facility features swimming pools, water slides and a wave machine. Over 100,000 visitors walk through the doors in the first five months.
From Waterpark to Leisure Centre
As visitor patterns shift from seasonal tourism to year-round local use, Splashworld reinvents itself. The upstairs café is converted into a fully equipped gym, a new extension is built to house a dedicated fitness studio for group classes, and a steam room is added. The Splashworld Sharks swimming club is founded and the swim school programme expands rapidly. By 2002, gym membership exceeds 550 and the facility receives the White Flag Award for pool quality. A switch to natural gas cuts energy costs by €25,000–31,000 a year.
Resilience & Renewal
The recession years test Splashworld’s resilience, but the community ownership model and essential local function keep the doors open. A major energy upgrade and roof works in the early 2010s address years of deferred maintenance. By mid-decade Splashworld is back on solid footing, and a full gym refit in 2017 modernises the fitness floor with new equipment. Throughout the decade, partnerships deepen with local schools, sports organisations and community groups.
Adapting Through COVID
COVID-19 forces Splashworld to close temporarily, but the team adapts quickly, introducing online booking, timed sessions and capacity management systems that improve the visitor experience and continue to this day.
A New Chapter
A major refurbishment of the changing village is completed, bringing a modern, accessible and welcoming experience to every visitor. A brand new sauna is installed, adding a dedicated wellness space for the first time. Digital transformation continues with a new website, mobile app and online swimming lesson management.
Securing the Future
Splashworld has secured €3.2 million in EU and SEAI Pathfinder funding for a major upcoming energy upgrade that will modernise the building’s energy systems, reduce the environmental footprint and secure the facility’s future for the next generation. A new Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030 sets an ambitious roadmap for continued growth, inclusion and community impact.
Through the Years
A look back at over 30 years of Splashworld, from opening day to the community hub we are today.
Community at Our Core
As a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation, Splashworld exists to serve the people of Tramore and the wider Waterford area. We reinvest every euro back into the facility, our programmes and our community.
“Splashworld is more than a leisure centre : it’s a community asset.” We provide essential water safety education, accessible fitness facilities, and a welcoming space where everyone in the community can be active, healthy and connected.
We’re proud to work closely with a wide range of community partners including WASSA (Waterford Autism Social & Sports Action), Bonmahon Lifesaving and Lifeboat Group, Splashworld Sharks, Tramore Athletics Club, Waterford Triathlon Club, Irish Water Safety, Down Syndrome Ireland, Special Olympics, Active Retired Tramore, the Local Sports Partnership and many local schools and community groups. From school swimming and inclusive disability sessions to the annual Splashworld 10K road race (organised with Tramore Athletics Club), our programmes reflect our commitment to making physical activity accessible to everyone.
How We’re Run
Splashworld is operated by Tramore Water Centre Group CLG, a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Ireland. As a not-for-profit organisation, every euro we earn is reinvested into the facility and the community we serve.
The centre is led by the General Manager and Assistant General Manager, who oversee the operation of the facility and its services. They are supported by duty managers, the accounts team, and a front-line staff of over 35 including lifeguards, swim instructors, gym instructors and reception staff.
Strategic governance is provided by a voluntary Board of Directors. In line with the company constitution, the Board includes local authority representation together with individuals who bring relevant leisure centre expertise or business experience. This helps ensure Splashworld remains well governed, financially sustainable and focused on serving the people of Tramore and the wider community.
Looking Forward
Splashworld’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 sets an ambitious and community-focused vision for the next five years. Our seven strategic goals reflect the priorities of our members, staff, partner organisations and the wider community:
Facility Excellence
Continued investment in our facilities, safety standards and user experience.
Community Access
Making our services more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Health & Wellbeing
Promoting active, healthy lifestyles through aquatic and fitness programmes.
Sustainability
Environmental responsibility and long-term operational sustainability.
Financial Resilience
Strong financial management to secure our future and fund continued investment.
Public Profile
Telling our story and strengthening our presence in the community and beyond.
Staff Development
Investing in our team through training, wellbeing and professional development pathways.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to help with any queries you may have.
What’s Next?
