UK RAIL logo

Welcome to the Fishguard Coast Guide

Fishguard is a quaint town and ferry port nestled on the west coast of Wales. With a northward-facing stretch of coast that's shielded from the Atlantic by the Goodwich peninsular, Fishguard's location provides a perfect spot for a harbour and port. Regular ferries journey to Rosslare in southern Ireland from here.

The scenic Pembroke Coast National Park is adjacent to Fishguard, making the town an ideal base for exploring the park's beauty. In Fishguard itself, the inviting quay area is adorned with charming cottages huddled along the waterfront. It boasts a selection of delightful cafes and restaurants, where you can relax and soak in the stunning views.

For information on accommodations in Fishguard, including hotels, guest houses, and cottages, as well as attractions to visit, scroll down.

Exploring the Coast

Just 16 miles west along the coastline, lies the small town of St David's, home to a grand cathedral housing the remains of St David. The views from St David's Head, overlooking St Brides Bay and towards Ramsey Island, are simply breathtaking. Ramsey Island, a nature reserve, is situated one kilometre offshore.

To the east of Fishguard, you'll find Newport, a small seaside resort featuring expansive sandy beaches at Parrog and Newport Sands across the river. Newport once thrived as a port and shipbuilding centre, before trade shifted to the south Wales coast at Swansea and Cardiff.

An interesting historical fact about Fishguard is that it was the site of the last invasion of mainland Britain. In 1797, an audacious group of 1500 Frenchmen landed at Fishguard with an intent to march on Liverpool, hoping to distract English troops while a larger force attempted to occupy Ireland. However, their plans were foiled when they discovered and consumed a large stash of vintage wine, leading to their capture by the local postmistress and a few boy scouts.

Places to Visit in Fishguard

For a map of the Fishguard area, click here.

Activities and Attractions

Whether you're looking for a relaxing sunbathing session or a more vigorous activity, you're likely to find it on the coast. Activities range from leisurely strolls to the next bay, swimming and snorkelling, to more energetic pursuits like sailing, surfing, windsurfing, and kite sailing.

A wide array of attractions are also available in the coastal area. From piers and harbours to fun fairs and roller coasters, there's something for everyone. For more details, check out our resort pages.

Pubs, Restaurants, and Shopping

Our guide also includes details of local pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops. Check out our listings to discover the best places to eat, drink, and shop in Fishguard and the surrounding area.

Features and Photo Gallery

We also offer feature articles about the coastline and news items about life in the coastal area. Contributions to this section are welcome. Don't forget to browse our photo gallery to get a glimpse of the stunning coastal vistas that await you in Fishguard.