Comfortably tucked on the headland between its modern ferry port and former fishing harbour, Fishguardis so much more than a gateway to Ireland.
If you are planning to stay in this picturesque resort on the Pembrokeshire coast you’ll find the small town to be packed with character, blessed with wonderful hotels, always ready to surprise with unexpectedly good places for a convivial meal out and the springboard to stunning scenery, water-based activities and more than its fair share of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Fishguard takes its name from an Old Norse word meaning ‘fish catching enclosure’ and the fruits of the sea still play a significant role in the lives of its 4,000 odd residents. Nowadays though most find tourists offer a bigger fish to catch, and, although it is said that the town was the last place in Britain to suffer a foreign invasion, today the marauding hordes come complete with cameras, suitcases and hiking boots.
Delightfully located in southwest Wales, and part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the small town sits as the centrepiece of an outstanding blend of the natural majesty of the sea, the dramatic brooding presence of cliffs, the beauty of the nearby Preseli Hills and the mysterious shadows cast by the Gwaun Valley.
This part of Wales is a real paradise for exploring beguiling landscapes and spotting enchanting wildlife. Ramsey Island is a birdwatchers paradise and awaits you just off the headland, marooned amidst rocky islets and reefs. Boat trips can take you to spot seals, dolphins and, if you are lucky, whales. There are plenty of opportunities to cast your line and spend the day course or sea fishing, to enjoy the local golf courses or to take the plunge and explore the underwater wrecks scuba diving. Kayaking, surfing, sailing and jet boat trips can help you enjoy the waters too.
Back on dry land you can take a relaxing stroll along Marine Walk, following the coast around to the Lower Town and taking in the great views over the old harbour and further along the coast to Dinas Head. On Market Square sits the Town Hall which hosts a snooper’s market on Thursday and a farmer’s market on Saturday. Pop inside to admire Fishguard’s own ‘Bayeux Tapestry’ which was commissioned in 1997 to tell the story of the failed Fishguardinvasion.
Nearby you’ll find water mills, woollen mills Iron Age forts and an eco-friendly arts and crafts centre, Oriel y Parc, brimming with activities for young and old alike.
And, of course, there are regular ferries across to Ireland, leaving from Goodwick just a mile down the road and pulling into Rosslare over the water. But you’ll find it impossible to leave here once you’ve arrived.
Enjoy your break.