Celtic Journey along St David’s Way in Wales
Celtic Journey along
St David’s Way in Wales
5 Day pilgrims trail in Pembrokeshire
Stay in St David’s Cross Hotel
Celtic story and song
Breakfast, lunch & dinner each day
Pilgrim Certificate
Tour of St David’s Cathedral followed by Evensong
Cultural experiences
Local guides & coach transfers daily
Gala Dinner and so much more…
Stepping stones to our shared Celtic past
Iconic pilgrims trail in Pembrokeshire over 5 days
Stay in St David’s Cross Hotel
Celtic story and song
Breakfast, lunch & dinner each day
Pilgrim Certificate
Bespoke tour of St David’s Cathedral followed by Evensong
Cultural experiences
Local guides & coach transfers daily
Gala Dinner and so much more…
Stepping stones to our shared Celtic past
Overview
We are delighted to introduce our Celtic Journey along St David’s Way, a unique tour celebrating the shared heritage between Ireland and Wales. In the 4th century, a spiritual wave passed between these countries, nurturing Celtic spirituality.
In 1123, the Pope suggested Santiago de Compostela and St David’s in Wales as pilgrimage alternatives to Jerusalem. Nine hundred years later, St David’s Way is one of the world’s iconic pilgrim trails. Phil and Elaine craft perfect walking holidays, creating lasting memories for all.
St Davids, the smallest city in the UK, granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II due to its unique Cathedral, lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It boasts magnificent coastal scenery, historic buildings, and diverse wildlife.
The 12th-century Cathedral is central to St Davids’ history, attracting thousands of global visitors annually. It hosts regular services and musical events, including the popular Cathedral Festival in May, remaining a community hub. Next to the Cathedral are the ruins of the Medieval Bishop’s Palace, where we will dine on our final evening.
St Non, mother of St David, gave birth to the patron saint of Wales at the chapel, dating back to 500 AD. Pilgrims visit many holy sites associated with St Non and St David, including the Holy Well of St Non, reputed to have sprung at his birth, considered one of the most sacred wells in Wales.
Along the way of St David…
Our St David’s Way follows the Pembrokeshire National Park Coast Path where we visit holy wells, Celtic churches, stunning cliffs and beaches, along with picturesque coves and fishing villages before arriving at the magnificent medieval cathedral at St. Davids. Phil and Elaine Brennan and their team of Welsh guides tailor the distance to suit the fitness levels of everyone in the group averaging around 12 km per day. You simply show up ready for the journey ahead and leave the rest to us!
The Pembrokeshire National Park Coast Path is described by Lonely Planet as the finest coastal path in the world. The remote north coast route from Fishguard to St Davids has also inspired generations of poets, writers and musicians. It is this artistic theme that this route follows, and as one absorbs the beautiful Celtic landscape it is hard not to feel creatively inspired. The area was home to two Archdruids of Wales and famous poems such as Cofio, Melin Trefin and Pwll Deri were all inspired by the rugged coastal landscape.
Each day takes in clifftop views, deserted beaches and sweeping vistas over the Irish Sea. A wealth of seabirds are on view, seals and maybe the occasional dolphin, along with 4,000-year-old burial chambers, Celtic chapels, holy wells and the great Norman cathedral at St Davids, home to the shrine of the patron saint of Wales.
Along the way of St David…
Our St David’s Way follows the Pembrokeshire National Park Coast Path where we visit holy wells, Celtic churches, stunning cliffs and beaches, along with picturesque coves and fishing villages before arriving at the magnificent medieval cathedral at St. Davids. Phil and Elaine Brennan and their team of Welsh guides tailor the distance to suit the fitness levels of everyone in the group averaging around 12 km per day. You simply show up ready for the journey ahead and leave the rest to us!
The Pembrokeshire National Park Coast Path is described by Lonely Planet as the finest coastal path in the world. The remote north coast route from Fishguard to St Davids has also inspired generations of poets, writers and musicians. It is this artistic theme that this route follows, and as one absorbs the beautiful Celtic landscape it is hard not to feel creatively inspired. The area was home to two Archdruids of Wales and famous poems such as Cofio, Melin Trefin and Pwll Deri were all inspired by the rugged coastal landscape.
Each day takes in clifftop views, deserted beaches and sweeping vistas over the Irish Sea. A wealth of seabirds are on view, seals and maybe the occasional dolphin, along with 4,000-year-old burial chambers, Celtic chapels, holy wells and the great Norman cathedral at St Davids, home to the shrine of the patron saint of Wales.
Saint Davids Way 2025
Our Celtic Journey along St David’s Way is available for groups of 8 to 18 persons running throughout 2025
Email us to check availability info@celticwaysireland.com
Day 1: Coast path walk from Llanwnda to Garn Fawr (12km)
- Meet at St David’s Cross Hotel at 11am.
- Homemade refreshments served on arrival.
- Those travelling from Ireland, meet at Rosslare at 6.30am for early morning Stena Line ferry crossing to Fishguard.
Day 1: Coast path walk from Llanwnda to Garn Fawr (12km)
- Meet at St David’s Cross Hotel at 11am.
- Homemade refreshments served on arrival.
- Those travelling from Ireland, meet at Rosslare at 6.30am for early morning Stena Line ferry crossing to Fishguard.
Our coach transfer will leave from St David’s at 11.30am and collect the passengers off the ferry at Fishguard en route to the Celtic Church at Llanwnda. From this centuries old pilgrim church with its holy well and nearby neolithic burial chamber, we take our first steps out onto the way of St David, a stunning coastal path etched into the land by pilgrims and adventurers alike over the centuries. The walk along the coastline is simply breath-taking.
Here, by the sea, it’s not the destination that matters. More the steps in between… taking our time to soak in the beauty and the story of this magical space. En route, we pass the site of the last invasion of Britain in 1797, we discover hidden coves and the lighthouse at Strumble Head. It’s the perfect spot for our packed lunch as it offers us a panoramic view of the Irish Sea beneath the towering cliffs.
After lunch, we’ll do the last 5km of our opening stage of St David’s Way onto the volcanic hill of Garn Fawr with a hermit’s cell and sweeping views west to St Davids and north over the sea to Ireland. We finish the day with the famous poem of Pwll Deri, inspired by the amazing seascape that opens up before us.
- Coach transfer at 5.30pm to St David’s Cross Hotel for check-in before evening dinner in the hotel.
Day 2: Melin Tregwynt to Abereiddy Cliff Path (16km)
- Coach transfer to Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill for short bespoke tour.
The story behind the Woollen Mill is remarkable, having previously been owned and run by a local family, the last remaining members of the dynasty have handed it over to the team of locals who have worked in the Mill over the past few decades. It now is owned and operated by an Employees Ownership Trust and draws visitors from near and far with the profits shared among the members of the Trust.
Day 2: Melin Tregwynt to Abereiddy Cliff Path (16km)
- Coach transfer to Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill for short bespoke tour.
The story behind the Woollen Mill is remarkable, having previously been owned and run by a local family, the last remaining members of the dynasty have handed it over to the team of locals who have worked in the Mill over the past few decades. It now is owned and operated by an Employees Ownership Trust and draws visitors from near and far with the profits shared among the members of the Trust.
This day will leave visual imprints that stay with you long after the walking is over. The vistas that open up around each winding bend have a beauty beyond words as we traverse the clifftop and beach walks on this most rugged and wild Celtic landscape. Rocky headlands, seabirds and maybe seals and the occasional dolphin too. There’s an energy here that seeps through the pores. It the perfect space for mindful moments of story and stillness led by local mindfulness guide Ailsa Richardson.
We stop at Carreg Samson – a 4,000 year old burial chamber near Abercastle and then walk on to Trefin the birthplace of two Archdruids of Wales and the inspiration for the haunting poem – Melin Trefin. The last stage of our walk passes through the beautiful Porthgain harbour with its intriguing nineteenth century history before a short walk across along the headland to begin our descent onto the beach at Abereiddy.
- Coach transfer to St David’s Cross Hotel.
- Time to relax in St David’s before evening dinner at 7pm.
Day 3: Abereiddy to Whitesands (12km)
- We take our 8.30am coach transfer to the start of today’s stage above Abereiddy beach.
This stage continues along the cliff path as we make our way to the peak of Carn Llidi where legend has it St Patrick was given his mission to travel to Ireland by an angel. Again the vista as we come into White Sands is stunning. We hope to finish our walk with lunch by the sea and give you the space to relax and soak in the beauty of this area… you might like a swim or to go kayaking out in the bay or a cuppa in the cafe nearby. Or simply take your seat on the cliff side and take in the wonder of it all.
- We’ll enjoy a chilled few hours in Whitesands before making our way back to St David’s Cross Hotel.
- In the evening, we’ll take a coach transfer to Fishguard for evening dinner in Peppers Art Gallery & Restaurant before a night cap and Celtic Folk Session in the local Royal Oak.
- We take our 8.30am coach transfer to the start of today’s stage above Abereiddy beach.
This stage continues along the cliff path as we make our way to the peak of Carn Llidi where legend has it St Patrick was given his mission to travel to Ireland by an angel. Again the vista as we come into White Sands is stunning. We hope to finish our walk with lunch by the sea and give you the space to relax and soak in the beauty of this area… you might like a swim or to go kayaking out in the bay or a cuppa in the cafe nearby. Or simply take your seat on the cliff side and take in the wonder of it all.
- We’ll enjoy a chilled few hours in Whitesands before making our way back to St David’s Cross Hotel.
- In the evening, we’ll take a coach transfer to Fishguard for evening dinner in Peppers Art Gallery & Restaurant before a night cap and Celtic Folk Session in the local Royal Oak.
Day 4: Whitesands to Saint Davids (10km)
- We take our 8.30am coach transfer to the start of today’s stage above Abereiddy beach.
We set out from the site of the sixth century St Patrick’s chapel at Whitesands beach before completing the pilgrimage by walking into the smallest city in Britain – St Davids. On the way we stop at a series of holy wells, taking time to reflect on how they refreshed pilgrims on their way to St Davids.
Day 4: Whitesands to Saint Davids (10km)
- We take our 8.30am coach transfer to the start of today’s stage above Abereiddy beach.
We set out from the site of the sixth century St Patrick’s chapel at Whitesands beach before completing the pilgrimage by walking into the smallest city in Britain – St Davids. On the way we stop at a series of holy wells, taking time to reflect on how they refreshed pilgrims on their way to St Davids.
We will rest by the shoreline at St Nons where St David – the patron saint of Wales – was born during a storm in the 6th century before making our way to St. David’s Cathedral for a short, guided tour. After lunch in a beautifully restored space adjoining the cathedral, Ty’r Pererin, we have the afternoon off to stroll the streets of this quaint Welsh city, with time for shopping or a wee beverage. After all the walking, you owe it to yourself!
- We’ll have time to return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for our Gala Dinner in The Bishop’s Bar and Restaurant. If we time it right, we may make Evensong in the Cathedral before dinner. It is something not to be missed!
Day 5: Morning in St Davids
Time for some shopping in St David’s before we part at midday. For visitors travelling to Ireland, we make our way to the Terminal for the 1.30pm departure. Arrive back at Rosslare by 5.30pm
Day 5: Morning in St Davids
Time for some shopping in St David’s before we part at midday. For visitors travelling to Ireland, we make our way to the Terminal for the 1.30pm departure. Arrive back at Rosslare by 5.30pm
Where we Stay
St David’s Cross Hotel
During our time in Pembrokeshire, we will stay in St David’s Cross Hotel in the heart of St. Davids Cross Square, Pembrokeshire. The hotel offers 16 rooms, all en-suite, as well as a good standard dining experience for guests and non-residents. The hotel has a relaxed, warm and cosy atmosphere and its’ location right in the heart of St. Davids is ideal for our few days in this beautiful part of Wales.
Our visitors have all remarked on the friendliness of the staff, the cosiness of the rooms, the quality of the food and the value of its location so close to the shops and the cathedral in this historic city. After spending the day out walking the cliffs, you do appreciate the comfort and the fine cuisine on return. St David’s Cross Hotel will not disappoint!
Price €1,650 includes:
- Hosts: Phil Brennan: prominent motivational speaker (PhD Phil.) | Elaine Brennan: gifted host/tour manager
- Guest guides: Local guides including Iain Tweedale (Journeying UK), Ailsa Richardson (Mindful Coach) and David Pepper (British Pilgrimage Trust)
- Accommodation: 4 nights bed and breakfast in St David’s Cross Hotel
- Food: Lunch and Dinner each day from the land we walk including dinner on 2 evenings in St David’s Cross hotel, evening Dinner in Peppers Art Gallery & Restaurant Fishguard and Gala Dinner in The Bishops Bar & Restaurant St Davids
- Coach transfers: To and from the trail each day and to all other events connected with the tour
- Return Sailing to Ireland: Stena Line sailing – Rosslare/Fishguard return
- Music: Daily reflective moments through music led by Phil and Elaine | Celtic Folk Session on one of the evenings led by local musicians | Evensong in St David’s Cathedral
- Bespoke tours: Saint David’s Cathedral | Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mills
- Pilgrim Certificate: Official certificate stamped in St David’s Cathedral on completion of St David’s Way
A discount is available for groups of 10 or more.
Additional supplements:
- Single Room Supplement inclusive of the 4 nights €350.
It is possible to add one night’s bed and breakfast in St David’s Cross Hotel prior to the start of the tour. Prices subject to seasonal rates and availability.
- Optional extras from horse riding to kayaking can be arranged.
- Celtic Ways Ireland can put the pieces in place for the rest of your vacation if you are returning to Ireland including transfers, accommodation or guiding you in terms of how to get the most out of the remainder of your holiday in Wales and Ireland.
Exclusions:
- Flights: All your flight arrangements and payments are left to your own discretion.
- Transfers: If travelling from parts of the UK, your transfer plans to connect to our St David’s Way are not included in the price.
- Insurance: Whilst we at Celtic Ways Ireland have our own insurance cover in place, we strongly advise that each person/group take out your own travel insurance for the duration of your time with us. Given that our tour involves walking and gentle adventure, it is better to veer on the side of caution and have your own insurance in place to cover all eventualities.
- Drinks/Refreshments: Whilst lunches and dinners are included for the duration of your time with us, any additional drinks, beverages and refreshments are not included in the package.
Walking Activity Level: Walkers should have a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable walking 8km-10km a day.
Terms & Conditions:
A deposit of €500 is payable once a tour is booked with the balance payable 3 months in advance of the tour (non-refundable). Payments can be made via PayPal or directly into our account.
If you have to withdraw, every effort will be made to re-schedule your booking.