Fishguard and Goodwick, Wales cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Figures are from Fishguard Harbour in Goodwick to Fishguard town centre at Market Square.

• Distance: 1.5 km, Fishguard Harbour to Fishguard town centre.
• Walk: possible but hilly between Goodwick and Fishguard; use the surfaced town route rather than the stepped Marine Walk.

Sources: Visit Wales, Visit Fishguard.

Orientation, not a walking route

Visit Wales confirms mixed access: expedition-size vessels can use an alongside berth, while larger ships use tender arrangements. Its port information identifies a dedicated tender berth introduced in 2016. Your ship's briefing will establish whether you leave by gangway or boat and where to assemble for the return.

This is a working ferry and cruise port with controlled passenger areas. Excursion coaches can collect on the quayside. Follow the designated route or transport out of the port, and ask where a taxi may pick you up if you have made independent arrangements.

Ask for directions to your chosen destination before leaving the port: Goodwick, Fishguard's Market Square and Lower Town require different routes. Consider a taxi or arranged transfer if hills are a concern.

About this port

Fishguard's cruise port is at Goodwick, beside the modern ferry facilities. Fishguard town centre and the older harbour at Lower Town are separate destinations, so decide which part you want to explore before leaving the port. The area provides an introduction to northern Pembrokeshire, with coastal walks, local marine conservation and the story of the French landing of 1797.

For a few hours ashore, choose Goodwick's waterfront and Ocean Lab, or travel into Fishguard for the Last Invasion Tapestry. A trip to St Davids is a longer outing that needs its own transport and return plan.

Getting Around

The arrival area at Goodwick is distinct from the higher ground of Fishguard town and the descent to Lower Town Harbour. Local walking information includes slopes and steps between these areas. A route that looks short on a map can therefore take longer than a waterfront stroll.

Richards Bros route 410 links Fishguard Harbour with Fishguard town centre. Its current Traveline timetable allows 10 minutes between the harbour and the Ffordd yr Efail stop in Fishguard; there is only one direct harbour journey in each direction on the displayed Monday-to-Saturday timetable. Fishguard Harbour station is at the port, but its presence does not make a train the obvious choice for reaching nearby attractions.

For a coastal outing, select a short section with a clear return point. Check the local route description and weather before setting off, rather than starting a longer circuit simply because a coastal path is accessible nearby.

Things to Do

The Last Invasion Tapestry tells the story of the French force that landed near Fishguard in 1797. Its gallery is within Fishguard Library, on the first floor of the Town Hall at Market Square. The operator confirms lift access and publishes current visiting hours and admission information. Check these before travelling up from Goodwick.

Ocean Lab at Goodwick houses Sea Trust Wales's aquarium and marine-conservation activities beside the seafront. It is a useful local option for families or passengers who want to remain near the port. Most visits are self-guided, with a marine biologist available for questions; check the aquarium's visitor page if you want a guided session.

Lower Town and the Marine Walk offer harbour views and a more active outing. Local visitor information describes routes from Fishguard towards Lower Town and around the headland, including stepped connections towards Goodwick. Choose a section appropriate to your walking ability and allow for the climb back.

St Davids Cathedral can anchor a longer road excursion. Check the cathedral's visiting information as worship and other events can affect access. Allow this to replace, rather than automatically accompany, a full exploration of Fishguard.

Getting back to your ship

For a coastal outing, select a short section with a clear return point. Check the local route description and weather before setting off, rather than starting a longer circuit simply because a coastal path is accessible nearby.

Practical Information

Currency is pound sterling (£). English and Welsh are used; look for both versions of place names when checking transport. Call 999 or 112 in an emergency.

Take waterproof clothing and shoes with grip. Keep the ship's return location and last tender time available offline, and use the linked operators for current admission, hours and transport information.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from Fishguard cruise port into town? Partly. Fishguard town centre is 1.5 km from the harbour, but the route rises from Goodwick; the separate Marine Walk includes steps.

How far is Fishguard cruise port from Market Square? About 1.5 km from the harbour to Fishguard town centre at Market Square.

How long is the bus from Fishguard Harbour to the town centre? About 10 minutes on the direct Richards Bros route 410 journey between Fishguard Harbour and the Ffordd yr Efail stop.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Fishguard? Both. Expedition-size vessels can berth alongside, while larger cruise ships use the dedicated tender berth.