Fishguard

Fishguard is a coastal town in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It stands out for its stunning natural landscapes, ancient monuments and great hospitality.

On Ferryhopper, you can find all the information you need for your holiday in Fishguard. Discover the best things to do and how to get there. Check all available routes and book ferry tickets to Fishguard from the Republic of Ireland at no extra cost!

The idyllic Lower Town harbor of Fishguard during low tide

Holidays in Fishguard

At the heart of North Pembrokeshire, Fishguard, may not be your typical tourist destination, but this lively small town actually is magical. Fishguard and its twin town, Goodwick, promises a weekend (or more) full of adventures in outstanding coastal landscapes, and outdoor activities that will totally recharge your batteries!

Prepare to explore mystical ancient sites and historic landmarks that will make you travel back in time. And after your tour around the area’s hills, valleys and coastal parks, you will enjoy great food and local ale with a warm atmosphere –and maybe some live folk music!– at the town’s pubs and restaurants.

How to get to Fishguard

Fishguard is located on the Irish Sea in South West Wales. You can get there by ferry from the seaside village of Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland. Find out all about ferry routes and schedules to Fishguard below.

If you are coming to the town by car from Cardiff, follow the M4 and, after Swansea, take the A48 and then the A40. If you are driving from the north, you can take the A487 that will lead you directly to Fishguard.

Fishguard also has 2 railway stations: the Fishguard Harbour railway station serving the town harbor, and the Fishguard and Goodwick railway station, around 1.5 km from Fishguard. Trains connect the town with Cardiff, Manchester, Shrewsbury, Swansea, the village of Clarbeston, and the town of Carmarthen.

What to do in Fishguard

Fishguard may look like a small town, but there are plenty of things to see and do there! Occupying an ideal spot on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and surrounded by Britain’s only Coastal National Park, you have the chance to admire wild coastal and dramatic cliff views while walking the challenging trails.

However, the area’s natural treasures don’t stop there. The Preseli Hills (a Special Area of Conservation) and its amazing settlements are at hands reach for you to explore. Pack your picnic basket and head to fairytale Gwaun Valley (Cwm Gwaun), beginning in Fishguard where the homonymous river runs into the sea.

In Fishguard, you can also enjoy the authentic vibe of family-owned shops and businesses. During the town’s folk music events and other music festivals you will get a taste of its lively cultural moments.

Sightseeing in Fishguard

In terms of natural beauty, the Fishguard area in Pembrokeshire has uncountable gems: from fascinating coasts, trails and cliffs, to forests, rivers, valleys, and hills. One would say that many of these breathtaking landscapes have a mystical aura.

The small Fishguard, however, also has a long history dating back even to the Iron Age. In more recent times, the town played an important role in the last French invasion of mainland Britain. Fishguard’s historic landmarks are reflected in its many sights and monuments.

Some of the best things to see in Fishguard are:

• The Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery
• Fishguard Fort
• Gorsedd Circle
• St Mary’s Church
• Pentre Ifan burial chambers
• Castell Henllys
• Sea Trust Marine Wildlife Exhibition (Ocean Lab)
• Ein Hanes - Our History
• Saints and Stones Trail
• Melin Tregwynt Mill
• Dyffryn Fernant Garden

The canons of the historic Fishguard Fort

Activities in Fishguard

Do you love outdoor activities? If the answer is yes, you won’t know what to try first in Fishguard and you will end up spending double the time you planned initially. Whether you feel like having a chill walk or getting your adrenaline pumping, Fishguard has activity options for everyone!

The Fishguard area might have plenty of hills, but also many level roads, ideal for cycling. It can offer gentle bike rides, e.g. along the marvelous Gwaun Valley, as well as more challenging ones on the Tour of Pembrokeshire routes. North Pembrokeshire is also a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Kayaking, surfing, coasteering (a Pembrokeshire invention), sailing, and boat trips. Exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park by water is an experience you can’t miss.

If walking is your thing, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has amazing trails, shorter or longer, such as the Dinas Head, the Carregwastad and the Marine walks. Then again, there are also many opportunities for sea anglers at the Fishguard harbor and coast, as well as peaceful, beautiful lakes suitable for coarse fishing.

Gwaun Valley dressed in warm autumn colors

Nightlife in Fishguard

Fishguard might be small but days and nights at the quaint town are lively! Evenings in Fishguard means enjoying local ale at one of the many pubs and bars that can be spotted around town. Some of them organize live-music events, such as musical Sundays at the terrace of Bar Five and the folk nights at the Royal Oak. For a more traditional-pub atmosphere, you can hang out at the Ship Inn in Lower Town.

If you don’t feel like hitting the pub, you can always head to Theatr Gwaun, an independent theater and cinema, to catch a performance or film (usually art-house). Theatr Gwaun also hosts music festivals, such as the annual AberJazz jazz-blues festival and the amazing Fishguard International Music Festival, focusing on classical music.

Food in Fishguard

You will find many places with great food in Fishguard. The town has a wide range of restaurants, from take-away snacks to fine dining places, and there is something for every taste, including Asian, Indian, Chinese, and, of course, quality and wholesome local food. There are also several beautiful cafés serving great brunch and lunch, such as Mannings Ffres ar y Wesh and Peppers café at the West Wales Art Centre.

Some of the most popular places in Fishguard are the Ship Inn Trefin, Pepper, JT at the Abergwaun Hotel, and Goodwick Fish and Chips. We definitely recommend getting some fresh lobster and crab sandwiches at the yacht club (Lower Town).

The Lower Town buildings reflecting on the water at sunset

Useful information about Fishguard

The town of Fishguard is located in North Pembrokeshire, Wales. Nowadays, it consists of 2 parts: Lower Fishguard (where the harbor is located) and the "Main Town". Moreover, Fishguard and Goodwick are twin towns with a joint Town Council.

The town might not be very big, but it is well developed. In fact, it is the main shopping town of North Pembrokeshire with a market in the town hall on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It also has all necessary traveler amenities, including a health center.

Finding accommodation in Fishguard is easy thanks to the large variety of options available: from campsites to great hotels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks, hostels, backpacker lodges, guest houses, and many self-catering cottages.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Fishguard

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Fishguard:

• Fishguard Port Authority: +441348404430
• Stena Line - Fishguard: +443447707070
• Fishguard train station: +4403333211202
• Fishguard Health Centre: +441348430207
• Fishguard Taxis: +441348875129
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Fishguard

Fishguard is really a small town so no need to bring a car, unless you are planning to go on a Pembrokeshire road trip (even in this case, there are alternatives). You can easily explore the town on foot and move from the Main Tow to the Lower Town and harbor in just a few minutes. Even the walking distance to Goodwick is around 20 minutes. Walking the area’s many trails is also your best option to explore its wonderful coastal landscapes, valleys and hills.

There are also some bus routes running in the town area (e.g. 410) or connecting it to other Pembrokeshire towns, such as Haverfordwest, St Davids, etc. You can also use taxi services to get around more comfortably (Tony’s Taxis, Fishguard Taxis, Carrots Cabs) or hire a car from one of the places by the harbor.

Ports in Fishguard

The Fishguard ferry port is a small harbor in North Pembrokeshire, Wales. It connects the UK with Ireland through the Stena Line ferry service to Rosslare in Wexford county, southeastern Ireland.

At the Fishguard ferry terminal you will find several amenities: a motorist lounge, a coffee shop, a children’s play area, baby changing facilities, and toilets for people with disabilities. There is a short-stay parking lot directly outside the terminal building and a long-stay parking space 150 meters away. Parking prices start from £8 (around €9.30) a day.

Boats at the picturesque Fishguard harbor on a sunny day

Fishguard ferry: schedules and tickets

Fishguard is connected by ferry to the port of Rosslare in southeastern Ireland. There are up to 2 ferry crossings a day from Rosslare to Fishguard, operated by the Stena Line company. The ferry trip lasts around 3.5 hours and tickets start at about €36.

The lighthouse and breathtaking cliff scenery in Fishguard

Where to book ferry tickets to Fishguard online

Where else? On Ferryhopper, of course! Check all ferry routes to and from the port of Fishguard in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Compare prices, timetables and companies, and book ferry tickets to Fishguard from Rosslare online at the same prices as ferry companies.