Glendower Hotel

A Traditional Seaside Hotel at Goodwick, near Fishguard

The Glendower stands on Glendower Square in Goodwick, a few minutes above the seafront and the harbour where the Rosslare ferries come and go. It is an old-fashioned, family-run hotel in the best sense — awning over the front, hanging baskets, geraniums in the bed outside, and a maritime theme running right through it: the lounge and hallway are full of glass cases holding model ships, from full-rigged sailing vessels to coasters and lifeboats, and there is a shelf of trophies behind the bar. It is friendly, unpretentious and reasonably priced, and it has been looking after ferry passengers and coast-path walkers for years.

The Rooms

Bedrooms are traditional and comfortable, with private bathrooms — several with walk-in showers — free toiletries, a hairdryer, linen and towels. Each has a tea and coffee tray, a flat-screen television, a refrigerator, a wardrobe and an alarm clock, and the rooms are soundproofed. There are twins as well as doubles, and some rooms have a desk to work at. It is a straightforward, honest standard rather than a boutique one, and the rooms are kept clean and warm.

The Bar, the Dining Room and the Model Ships

The bar and lounge is where the character is: model ships in cases along the walls, pictures of vessels that have worked this coast, and a television for the sport. The dining room is laid up properly for breakfast, which guests rate as very good. There is a games room, a sun terrace and outdoor seating, and secure bicycle parking — this is excellent cycling country, and the coast path passes close by. Parking is available at the hotel.

At a Glance

• Traditional family-run hotel on Glendower Square, Goodwick
• Minutes from Goodwick seafront and Fishguard Harbour — handy for the Rosslare ferry
• En-suite rooms, several with walk-in showers; fridges and soundproofing
• Bar and lounge with a collection of model ships in glass cases
• Dining room; breakfast rated “very good” by guests
• Games room, sun terrace and outdoor seating
• Bicycle parking; parking at the hotel
• Free WiFi throughout; all bedrooms non-smoking

Goodwick and Fishguard Bay

Goodwick and Fishguard face each other across the same wide bay, with the breakwater and the ferry terminal between them. The Parrog, Goodwick’s seafront, is a short walk downhill, and the Goodwick Moor reedbed reserve is close by and full of birds. Over in Lower Fishguard — the picture-postcard harbour at the far end — you are standing in the village that played Llareggub in the 1972 film of Under Milk Wood, with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Fishguard’s upper town has the square, the pubs, and the Last Invasion Tapestry, which tells the story of the French landing of 1797 at Carregwastad Point, just up the coast: the last invasion of mainland Britain, and it ended in surrender at the Royal Oak.

The Coast Path and St Davids

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs right past. West of Goodwick it climbs to Strumble Head, with its lighthouse on an island and one of the best places in Wales to watch for seals and porpoises; east it runs to Dinas Head and Newport. St Davids — Britain’s smallest city, with its cathedral set down in a hollow out of sight of Viking raiders — is twenty-five kilometres away, and the beaches at Whitesands and Abermawr are within easy reach. Sea fishing, kayaking and coasteering can all be arranged locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of place is it? A traditional, family-run seaside hotel at Goodwick near Fishguard, with a bar, a dining room and en-suite bedrooms.

Is it handy for the Irish ferry? Yes — Fishguard Harbour and the Rosslare crossing are minutes away.

Is there a bar? Yes — with a notable collection of model ships in glass cases.

Is breakfast available? Yes — served in the dining room, and rated “very good” by guests.

Can I store a bike? Yes — there is bicycle parking.

How far is St Davids? About twenty-five kilometres.

Book Your Fishguard Stay

For a friendly, well-priced base on Fishguard Bay — whether you are walking the coast path, watching the birds on Goodwick Moor or catching the boat to Ireland in the morning — the Glendower does the job with a good deal of character. Check availability and book using the options shown on this page.