Fishguard is a small town in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The port of Fishguard Harbour is not actually in Fishguard, but was moved to Goodwick a mile away at the start of the last century though the 'Fishguard' moniker remained has remainded.
The ancient Royal Oak Inn, was the scene of the last attempt to invade mainland Britain in 1797 by French and Irish forces. The hapless forces arrived to negotiate a cease-fire, which was turned by the assembled British into an unconditional surrender. The troops mistook their stovepipe hats and red flannel dresses for the outfit of a British infantry troop and instantly capitulated. Even if this is not true, it is an undisputed fact that 47-year-old cobbler Jemima Nicholas, the "Welsh Heroine", single-handedly captured 14 French soldiers. Her grave can be seen next to parish church, St Mary's, behind the pub.
Transportation in Fishguard
By Car: From the East use the M4 route direct to Fishguard, following the A40 from Carmarthen.
From the South follow the A40 from Haverfordwest which is linked via the A40 & A48 to the M4 near Swansea.
From the North follow the A487 via Aberystwyth and Cardigan. Fishguard is located at the junction of the A40 & the A487.
Follow the signs to the Ferry Port which is situated 1 mile north west of Fishguard Town Centre.
By Train: The Platform of Fishguard train station is conveniently located adjacent to the Stena Line foot passenger terminal.
By Ferry: There are up to 7 ferry crossings between Fishguard and Rosslare a day. A high speed superferry, which completes the crossing in 1 hr 50 mins. A propeller driven superferry, completes the journey in about 3hrs 30mins.
The whole story of the invasion by the French and Irish is told by the Fishguard Tapestry, which was created for the 200th anniversary as a deliberate echo of the Bayeux Tapestry, and is on display in a hall near the town centre. The Napoleonic Old Fort at Fishguard was built between 1779 and 1781 after the town was bombarded by the privateer Black Prince. It was armed with eight nine-pounder guns which were fired to warn off approaching French ships during the attempted French invasion of 1797. The striking white lighthouse, automated since 1980, is a popular landmark. Seals are often spotted in the coves and bays and there are countless bird colonies which have made their homes in the rocky cliffs. An old observation post from the Second World War is now a bird observatory for the large numbers of birdwatchers who visit the area.
