Fishguard - Pembrokeshire: A Seaside Town
Friday, September 3rd, 2010Fishguard in Pembrokeshire is a lovely town located on the west coast of Wales. The town is positioned at the mouth of the Gwaun river which quite literally is the meaning of its name in Welsh, Abergwaun. The history of the town goes back at least 1,000 years.
There are two parts to Fishguard, Upper Town and Lower Town. Upper Town is situated on a headland and is the location for the main local amenities like shops and the town hall. It has a quaint feel to it, with colorfully painted houses sitting beside stone cottages. Lower Town has a small harbor situated at the river mouth, beneath the steep cliffs of the Gwaun Valley. This is the heart of the old fishing port and is still in operation today.
The town has a long tradition of seafaring and because of its situation on the coat has been subject to unwanted attentions from invaders and pirates. Testaments to this past can be found in the various monuments and forts which still stand today. In 1797 the town witnessed an historic event, the Battle of Fishguard, where French invading troops surrendered two days after they had landed. The Royal Oak pub was the location for the signing of the surrender, and the battle is commemorated in the Fishguard Tapestry which was made 200 years later and is on display in the town.
Fishguard is a ferry port connecting the west of Wales with Rosslare in Ireland. The port itself is actually in Goodwick, the town next door and was built in 1906. The ferries have seen many changes over the years from the first steam ships to the modern catamaran.
In Fishguard and its surroundings there are some really beautiful and diverse landscapes. The area is rich in all sorts of flora as well as fauna like sea birds and woodland birds. The bay has occasional visits from dolphins and seals, although they are more often spotted out in open water.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Coast Path are also close by. The park is immense, spreading across just under 250 square miles and has some stunning scenery as well as over 260 historical monuments. Lovers of history and nature will be spoilt for choice. The Coastal path is 186 miles long and also offers many options for walkers and cyclists and spectacular views.
Those who like to laze on a beach will also find a lot of choice within easy reach. Smaller ones include Slade in Fishguard. Those looking for larger ones could try out Goodwick Parrog heading west up the coast, among others.
When you visit Fishguard you can see where it has also featured on the silver screen. The Lower Town has attracted the attention of location scouts who have used it in classics like Under Milk Wood and Moby Dick. More recent culture can be found at the annual Folk Festival which attracts visitors from far and wide. Events include concerts and jigs, and they are big on audience participation. Although of course, it is not compulsory.
Mail this post