The coastal town of Fishguard lies on the north Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales, situated 15 miles north-east of St Davids and 17 miles south-west of Cardigan. The town is split into the picturesque Lower Town, set around the old Fishguard harbour where the river Gwaun enters the sea from the steep valley above, and the bustling main town, set high on the headland to the south overlooking Fishguard Bay.
History of Fishguard
Fishguard has a long seafaring history dating back to the 16th century when the harbour at Lower Town became an established port. By the 18th century the harbour was home to fifty trading vessels exporting goods such as herring, slate and corn. In the early 1900s a new harbour at Goodwick was built to serve transatlantic crossings as well as a sea crossing to Rosslare in Ireland. Whilst the First World War saw the end of the transatlantic enterprise, the Fishguard to Rosslare crossing remains a popular ferry route to this day.
Fishguard also holds historical importance as the site of the Last Invasion of Britain, when in 1797 French troops landed on the coast between Fishguard and Strumble Head. The invasion was short-lived with the French surrendering after two days, apparently as a result of drunkenness and mistaking a crowd of women in Welsh costume for British guardsmen. To commemorate the bicentenary of the invasion a 30 metre long tapestry was commissioned by the Fishguard Arts Society. The tapestry which has since gained international acclaim can be viewed at the Last Invasion Gallery in Fishguard’s Town Hall.
Attractions in Fishguard
Fishguard enjoys an active arts and music scene with an excellent selection of art galleries and music festivals for visitors to enjoy. Located in town centre are the West Wales Arts Centre and Oriel Glan y Mor Gallery which showcase the work of many local artists. The Theatr Gwaun on West Street runs a programme of live productions, talks and workshops as well as weekly film screenings. The town also plays host to the Fishguard Folk Festival held over the May Bank holiday and the jazz and blues festival, Aberjazz, held in August.
For walkers and nature lovers, Fishguard provides an ideal base from which to explore the 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path. From Fishguard the trail stretches west towards Pwll Deri and east towards Newport, both routes offering spectacular cliff top views out across Cardigan Bay. Inland from Fishguard lies the beautiful Gwaun valley which travels through woodland and moorland up to the Preseli Hills, whilst to the west of the town the wildlife reserve at Goodwick Moor is home to a variety of warblers, hawks, butterflies and otters.
Local amenities
Visitors to Fishguard can choose from a range of B&Bs, holidays cottages and hotels, including the Fishguard Bay Hotel which enjoys unspoilt views across the bay. In the main town an interesting selection of independent shops, galleries and cafés can be found, with parking available at the pay and display car parks on West Street and Wallis Street. For a taste of local produce the Market Hall holds a country market every Tuesday, a town market every Thursday, and a farmers' market every Saturday.
Fishguard’s ferry port and train station are situated to the north of
the town at Fishguard Harbour in Goodwick. Stena Line ferries from Fishguard to
Rosslare in Ireland operate all year round with an express service running from
July to September. Trains to Fishguard also run regularly from Cardiff and
beyond.
