Fishguard at a glance
Fishguard sits on the north coast of Pembrokeshire. It is really two places. Lower Town is the old harbour village with houses and boats. The modern ferry port is a separate area. Do not expect to walk from one to the other in a minute, and look at a map before you plan a day around either.
The town is also a base for the northern coast path and for Strumble Head, and a gateway to Ireland by sea. If you plan to cross, see the getting there page. If you want to walk, the coast path page covers the sections, and the history page puts the 1797 landing in context.
Fishguard Lower Town and the harbour
The oldest part of the town.
The harbour and the fort
Fishguard Fort stands above the harbour and is a monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The harbour has long been tied to fishing and trade. Lower Town and the ferry port are different places, so a description of one does not fit the other.
The coast path
Fishguard is on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Newport to Fishguard is 12 miles (19.3 km), and Fishguard to Pwll Deri is 9 miles (14.5 km). Our guide to the coast path lists the other sections.
Strumble Head
The lighthouse stands on the headland west of Fishguard and dates from 1908. Treat it as something to look at from the headland rather than a building to visit.
Fishguard and north Pembrokeshire tours
Boat trips, wildlife and guided days out around Fishguard and the north coast, with live prices and availability.
The ferry to Rosslare
What to expect from the crossing.
The ferry sails between Fishguard and Rosslare in Ireland. A daytime sailing runs from 14:00 to 17:30. Allow between 3 hours 15 and 3 hours 30 minutes for the crossing. These are timetable figures, not promises, and bad weather can change a sailing.
Fares depend on the date, the vehicle and the passenger type, so there is no single price to quote. Check the ferry timetable for your date before you build a trip around it.
The 1797 invasion and the tapestry
Fishguard's place in history.
What happened
On 22 February 1797 a French fleet came to the harbour. After the defence there, the invaders landed at Carreg Wastad. It is often called the last invasion of Britain.
The Last Invasion Tapestry
The tapestry is shown on the first floor of Fishguard Library in the Town Hall on Market Square, and a lift is available. Adult entry is £3.50. Visitors up to and including age 17 and holders of a Fishguard Library card do not pay. Photography and filming are not allowed in the gallery.
Gallery hours
Monday to Wednesday and Friday 10:00–17:00, Thursday 10:00–18:00. On Saturdays it opens 10:00–16:00 from April to September and 10:00–13:00 from October to March. Check the opening days before a Sunday visit.
Buses to Strumble Head and St Davids
The Strumble Shuttle in summer 2026.
| Direction | Departures | Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Fishguard to St Davids New Street | 07:35, 11:10, 16:00 | 08:43, 12:48, 17:38 |
| Strumble Head stop | – | 11:32, 16:22 (not the first bus) |
The 404 ran daily from 23 May to 27 September in 2026. For most walkers, the simplest plan is to take the bus out and walk back along the coast. Read the timetable for next season before you plan around it.
Fishguard: frequently asked questions
Which ferry goes from Fishguard to Ireland?
The route goes to Rosslare. Allow about 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes; a daytime sailing runs from 14:00 to 17:30.
What is Fishguard famous for?
The French landing of 22 February 1797, often called the last invasion of Britain, and the tapestry that shows it. The harbour and the ferry link to Ireland are the other reasons people come.
Can I go inside the Strumble Head lighthouse?
Plan on seeing it from the headland. The lighthouse dates from 1908.
Is the Last Invasion Tapestry free?
No. Adults pay £3.50. Visitors up to and including age 17 and Fishguard Library card holders do not pay.
How do I walk the coast path from Fishguard?
Newport to Fishguard is 12 miles and Fishguard to Pwll Deri is 9 miles. Combine a section with the summer bus so you do not have to walk back.