North Pembrokeshire is a place where you can reconnect. With yourself, with nature, with the past and with ancient stories.

The ancient stories that link Wales and Ireland are the inspiration for a new walking route that celebrates the historical connection of these two Celtic lands. 

Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way connects Ferns in Wexford with St Davids in Pembrokeshire. It is inspired by St David, patron saint of Wales and St Aidan of Ferns. Now, you can follow in their footsteps. Hop on the ferry and cross the Irish Sea from Wexford to Pembrokeshire for a short break or to experience the whole route. 

Discover the sights and locations along the route by foot, car or bus. Meet friendly locals, uncover the past, immerse yourself in ancient landscapes. 

Pilgrim Route Highlights in North Pembrokeshire

On the Welsh side, the pilgrim route begins in Fishguard and Goodwick, steeped in history as well as full of great pubs, cafes, restaurants and Theatr Gwaun. The final destination of the route is St Davids with its magnificent cathedral, galleries including Oriel Y Parc and many fine eateries and places to stay. 

Between Fishguard and St Davids, there is much to explore. The rugged coast is lined by the coastal path where you can drop down to golden sandy beaches like Whitesands and magical coves such as Porthgain. Perfect for spotting seals, dolphins and seabirds.

You’ll find special places of worship such as the church of St Gwyndaf in Llanwnda, with ancient stones built into the walls and where the 400 year old Welsh Bible was used as kindling by the French invasion forces of 1797. Sacred spaces are aplenty, explore St Non’s Holy Well, birth place of St David situated on the spectacular sea cliffs a few minutes walk from the tiny city of St Davids.

Bursting with ancient history, the route passes the Neolithic burial chambers such as at Carreg Samson and Coetan Arthur. More recent historical sites include the working woollen mill Melin Tregwynt, and the 19th century Strumble Head working lighthouse to name a few. 

Arts and culture are apparent everywhere in North Pembrokeshire inspired by its ancient landscape. Visit excellent galleries and buy local arts and crafts at the boutique shops of Fishguard and St Davids. Time it right and you could also experience one of the fantastic festivals that are unique to the area such as Fishguard Folk Festival, St Davids Cathedral Festival or Unearthed.

To sustain your body as well as spirit, enjoy pizza baked in a wood fire oven in St Davids or fresh seafood caught in Fishguard. Fresh locally sourced food is now a standard in North Pembrokeshire. And accommodation is high quality and diverse, from yurts to hostels and world class hotels – you can take your pick!

Guided walks are on offer now for sections of the route that will give you insight into the places and people as well as time for reflection and connection. For more information on this and on the full route, please visit wexfordpembrokeshirepilgrimway.org   

Story of the Bees: St Aidan and St David

Many stories reveal the friendship shared between St David and his pupil and protégé St Aidan. This is why the Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way takes walkers from Ferns Abbey in County Wexford to St Davids in Pembrokeshire.

When Aidan visited Wales as a student of St David, he looked after the beehives in David’s monastery.  When he returned to Ireland the bees followed him. Three times he tried to take them back to David’s monastery and three times they followed him back to the boat. When David saw the bees for the third time, he knew that Aidan and the bees had a special relationship so he let Aidan take the bees back to Ireland.