Fishguard

All About Fishguard

Fishguard is a pleasant coastal town of approximately 5,000 people located where the River Gwaun meets the Irish Sea in Wales. It is made up of two distinct areas, known as Lower Fishguard and Main Town.

It’s in Lower Fishguard that the original hamlet is thought to have developed, and this part of the town remains a traditional fishing village of fisherman’s cottages and narrow roadways. By contrast, Main Town features the modern center of Fishguard, including its main shopping street. Located further up the hill, the two are linked by a winding road.

Fishguard’s position in southern Wales makes it one of the closest points in the United Kingdom to the Republic of Ireland. Understandably then, the town has long been a departure point for ferries to the Republic. Those looking to obtain ferry tickets to Fishguard can use Ferryscanner. Using the Ferryscanner website you can find the best ferry departures for you, and buy your ferry tickets to Fishguard all in one place.

Routes and Ferries to Fishguard

Ferry departures from Fishguard remain a popular way of reaching the Republic of Ireland. Stena Line operates vessels to and from Fishguard up to 14 times per week right throughout the year. After leaving Fishguard Harbor, they head roughly northwest to their destination, the Irish port of Rosslare. This puts those with ferry tickets to Fishguard within easy reach of the Irish cities of Wexford, Waterford, and even Dublin, which is a simple drive north along the M11 highway.

Although it is a Swedish ferry company, Stena Line has been operating in British waters for decades. It has a great reputation for trustworthiness and reliability. Its vessels take just 3 hours and 15 minutes to make the crossing. The Stena Europe makes the voyage between Fishguard and Rosslare twice daily. Both foot passengers and those transporting their vehicles across the Irish Sea are able to take advantage of the many onboard facilities. These include seating, free WiFi, and a coffee lounge. The vessel welcomes up to 564 vehicles on any one journey, with a single adult foot passenger able to purchase ferry tickets to Fishguard for around €50 one way.

Fishguard lies at the western end of the A40 trunk road that begins its journey in London. It also has good road connections with all the major towns and cities within Wales. Rail passengers are able to opt between two different mainline railway stations. The train services that use them are operated by Trains for Wales Rail, and connect the town with Swansea and Cardiff, from where services crisscross the United Kingdom. The two railway stations are known as Fishguard and Goodwick station, and Fishguard Harbor station.

The nearest airport to Fishguard is Cardiff Airport, which is 180 kilometers to the east. The airport has a variety of European city destinations to choose between, particularly during the summer months, including multiple destinations in Spain, Italy, and Greece among others.

Ports of Fishguard

Fishguard lies at the southern end of Fishguard Bay, which is an inlet of the much larger Cardigan Bay. However, the ports of Fishguard are located on the northwestern side of the bay. Known as Fishguard Harbor, it is actually situated in the twin town of Goodwick, next to the RNLI coastguard station, Fishguard Harbor railway station, and the ferry terminal. Its waters are protected by a kilometer-long breakwater.

Best Beaches

Fishguard has a long tradition as a British seaside vacation resort with a pleasantly cool year-round climate. The coast offers up a good number of potential attractions, including several beaches, as we detail below.

Pwll Gwylog Beach

A couple of kilometers from Fishguard, Pwll Gwylog Beach appears at the end of a steep grassy valley, which can put off some visitors. However, this secluded shingle beach is a delight for anyone looking to escape the hubbub of everyday life. Its shallows are also fantastic during the summer months if you fancy a quick dip.

Porthsychan Beach

This pebble beach stands close to the northwest tip of the county of Pembrokeshire amid spectacular scenery. The sheltered bay provides waters safe for swimming in, while rock pools offer insight into life beneath the waves.

Goodwick Sands

Don’t be misled by its name, for Goodwick Sands is a beach that mixes shingle and sand. Just a short distance from the ferry terminal, it’s a great spot for nature lovers. Not only will you find shellfish buried in the sands, but also seals, dolphins, and sometimes basking sharks in the waters nearby.

Pwllgwaelod Beach

Providing fabulous views back towards Fishguard Harbor, Pwllgwaelod Beach forms a relatively large expanse of flat sand. The surrounding cliffs are regularly frequented by a number of seabird species, while its human visitors will find a good number of amenities and footpaths to enjoy.

Places to Visit

The people of Fishguard are able to trace the history of their town back to around 1000 AD. This means that in addition to a fine selection of beaches, there are also some interesting places to visit related to the town’s long existence.

Last Invasion Tapestry

One of the newest attractions to bring visitors to Fishguard, the Last Invasion Tapestry was created in 1997. Completed by a team of 80 volunteers, it stretches for an incredible 30.5 meters (the equivalent of a ten-story building). It was created to mark the 200th anniversary of French attempts to invade the British Isles from Fishguard in 1797. Legend has it they were scared off by the town’s womenfolk, who were mistaken for crack British troops. You’ll find the tapestry on display in the town hall.

Dyffryn Fernant Garden

Created out of nothing, these 2.5-hectare gardens are filled with stunning flowers and color all year-round, making them an attractive destination for anyone looking to unwind. Contemporary artworks compete with the natural landscape to catch the eye, while a small tea room makes for a great end to any visit.

Strumble Head

The location of a working lighthouse, Strumble Head is a rocky promontory known to provide vital spaces for a variety of regional wildlife species, from seals and porpoises to Arctic skuas. A coastal path leads around the island, although you’ll need to be prepared for a scramble in some places.

Transportation Around Fishguard

In addition to its two railway stations, Fishguard is also served by a good network of public buses. Buses connect up the harbor area with the Main Town, while other services connect Fishguard with St. Davids, the UK’s smallest city with a population of just 1,600 people. They operate daily and generally run to coincide with the arrival and departure times of the ferries. Taxis are also readily available, with several taxi companies providing services that can be arranged by phone.