Fishguard Ferries

The port of Fishguard plays a key role in the ferry network of United Kingdom, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Fishguard serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Fishguard, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Rosslare - Fishguard connecting Fishguard with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Stena Line, Irish Ferries run regular services from Fishguard, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Fishguard offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Fishguard is well-connected by road via the A40, linking it to larger Welsh cities and the UK motorway network. Trains arrive at Fishguard Harbour station, with services connecting to Cardiff (approximately 3 hours) and onward to London (around 5 hours). The ferry terminal itself is easily accessible and clearly signposted from all approaches. If arriving by car, the terminal offers convenient parking facilities with both short and long-term options available. Local bus services connect the ferry port with Fishguard town center and neighboring communities for those arriving without personal transport.

Nestled on the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, Fishguard blends maritime heritage with Welsh charm in this picturesque harbor town. Split between the old harbor of Lower Town and the main town center above, Fishguard serves as a vital ferry connection between Wales and Ireland. Visitors stepping off the ferry will find themselves immersed in stunning coastal scenery, rich local culture, and the warm welcome that defines this corner of Wales.

Fishguard enjoys a relatively mild climate year-round, with summer (June to August) bringing the warmest and driest conditions, ideal for exploring the coastal paths and beaches. Spring (April to May) offers blooming landscapes and fewer visitors, making it perfect for a more tranquil experience. The Fishguard International Music Festival in July attracts classical music enthusiasts, while the Aberjazz Festival in August fills the town with vibrant performances. Ferry services operate year-round, with more frequent crossings during summer months. Autumn visits provide spectacular coastal scenery with dramatic seas, though some attractions may operate reduced hours.

From Fishguard's ferry terminal, travelers can sail to Rosslare in Ireland in just over two hours, opening up the Emerald Isle's treasures including Wexford's sandy beaches and Dublin's historic streets. The route offers one of the shortest sea crossings between Wales and Ireland, making it popular for both foot passengers and those traveling with vehicles. The journey itself is a highlight, with opportunities to spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds in the Irish Sea. Fishguard also serves as an excellent base for exploring Pembrokeshire's coastal communities, including Newport, St Davids, and Tenby, all accessible by local transport connections once you return from Ireland.

The Lower Town harbor, with its quaint fishermen's cottages and bobbing boats, offers a quintessential Welsh maritime scene perfect for photographers and painters alike. History buffs shouldn't miss the Last Invasion Tapestry at the Town Hall, commemorating the 1797 French invasion with a 100-foot embroidered masterpiece often compared to the Bayeux Tapestry. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path provides breathtaking walks in either direction from Fishguard, with dramatic clifftop views and hidden coves. For local flavors, sample fresh seafood at harborside restaurants or traditional Welsh cakes and bara brith (speckled bread) from local bakeries. The charming Marine Walk along the old harbor wall reveals stunning views across the bay, especially magnificent at sunset.

Fishguard was the site of the last foreign invasion of Britain when French forces landed in 1797, only to be defeated partly by local heroine Jemima Nicholas, who single-handedly captured 12 French soldiers. The town gained silver screen fame as a filming location for the 1971 Dylan Thomas adaptation 'Under Milk Wood' starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Fishguard's Lower Town harbor is actually older than the main town, originally serving as a Viking settlement before developing into a busy fishing port. The impressive breakwater at Goodwick (part of the Fishguard port) was built using over a million tons of rock and was once the largest in the world when completed in 1906.