Seagull Bakery: A Taste of Artisan Tradition in Tramore
As you stroll along the charming streets in the centre of Tramore, the tantalising aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread will inevitably guide you to one of Waterford's most beloved culinary treasures. Seagull Bakery stands as a shining example of artisanal excellence, drawing bread enthusiasts from near and far with its commitment to traditional baking methods and locally sourced ingredients.
The Story Behind the Sourdough
What began as a modest home-based venture has blossomed into a celebrated bakery with a devoted following. Owner Sarah Richards, whose journey interestingly started as an art student who baked to support her painting endeavors, has transformed her creative passion into the art of exceptional bread making. Her artistic background infuses her baking with remarkable creativity and attention to detail, evident in every loaf that emerges from her ovens.
Richards' dedication to perfecting her craft led her to train with Andre Whitely of Bread Matters, co-founder of the Real Bread Campaign in the UK, and at the School of Artisan food in Nottinghamshire. This quest for excellence is the foundation upon which Seagull Bakery was built and continues to thrive.
A True Sourdough Experience
Walking into Seagull Bakery is a sensory delight. The open-plan kitchen allows visitors to witness the bakers skillfully shaping dough, adding an element of transparency and authenticity to the experience. The interior, featuring a harmonious blend of reclaimed slate and plywood, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements the rustic nature of the products.
Seagull specializes in sourdough breads made with a "fully wild yeast ferment" and just three core ingredients: flour, water, and sea salt. Each loaf undergoes a meticulous two-day fermentation process, resulting in bread with distinctive sour notes and remarkable depth of flavor. The bakery offers an impressive variety of sourdough options, including white, wholemeal, three-seed, seaweed, and rye breads.
What makes these loaves particularly special is their digestibility — even for those with gluten sensitivities. The long fermentation process breaks down the gluten proteins, making Seagull's bread not just delicious but also more accessible to those with dietary concerns.
Beyond Bread: A Culinary Haven
While sourdough is unquestionably the star attraction, Seagull Bakery offers much more to tempt your taste buds. Their "textbook-perfect" croissants have earned legendary status among pastry aficionados, while the morning buns have cultivated their own dedicated following.
Sweet-toothed visitors will delight in the array of treats, including chocolate rye brownies, cinnamon buns, orange scones, and apple oaties. More indulgent options like twice-baked almond croissants, cruffins, and wholemeal spelt caramel squares provide irresistible temptation.
To complement these baked goods, Seagull serves outstanding takeaway coffee from Roasted Brown, a boutique Irish coffee roaster known for its premium single-origin beans.
Local Tips for Visitors
Morning Magic: For the best selection, arrive early in the morning when everything is freshly baked. Weekend mornings can see lines forming before opening hours!
Seasonal Specials: Keep an eye out for seasonal pastries featuring local fruits like plum and hazelnut or rhubarb and ginger.
Take-Home Treasures: Consider purchasing a loaf to enjoy later — the sourdough maintains its quality for several days and makes exceptional toast.
Local Pairings: While at the bakery, explore their selection of complementary artisanal products from other local producers, including 'My Goodness' vegan foods, hand-made Corleggy Cheeses, and charcuterie from The Wooded Pig farm.
A Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Seagull Bakery's dedication extends beyond creating exceptional products. As a proud member of Real Bread Ireland, the bakery actively promotes the benefits of "real bread." Sarah Richards' commitment to using Irish-grown flours supports local grain economies and ensures sustainable practices.
The bakery has even challenged conventional wisdom by successfully using Irish-grown high-protein flour to create delicious loaves, disproving the theory that strong bread flour couldn't be grown in Ireland.
A Must-Visit Destination on Your Tramore Journey
Seagull Bakery represents everything special about Ireland's evolving food scene — passion for craft, commitment to quality ingredients, and deep respect for tradition, all while supporting the local community. Whether you're a bread enthusiast, a casual foodie, or simply someone who appreciates authentic culinary experiences, Seagull Bakery deserves a prominent place on your Tramore itinerary.
When planning your trip to Tramore, be sure to build in time for a proper visit to this exceptional bakery. The aromas, flavours, and warm welcome will provide lasting memories of Tramore's unique charm and culinary excellence. Come taste for yourself why locals and visitors alike consider Seagull Bakery an essential part of their day.
Seagull Bakery, 1 Broad Street, Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Phone: 051 338 629
Email: hello@seagullbakery.ie
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-3:00pm, Sunday 9:00am-1:00pm, Closed Mondays
Website: www.seagullbakery.ie
Instagram: @seagullbakery
Facebook: Seagull Bakery