Carreg Tomas

Island in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Carreg Tomas

Smyth Street Fishguard Residential street with 18thC terraced housing along the east side, as drawn in the 1839 tithe map. The street may have originally been called Barham Street, named after a local landowner, but changed to Smyth Street after the occupier of the land, John Smyth a maltster from Cornwall.
In the 1901 census occupations of residents were recorded as ostler, charwoman, laundress, mason, carpenter, farm labourer, grocer, tinplate worker and retired slate quarry worker, among others. — Smyth Street Fishguard Credit: Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Carreg Tomas is a small island located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated in the Irish Sea and is part of the Milford Haven Waterway. The island is known for its rugged beauty and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Carreg Tomas measures approximately 1.7 hectares in size and is predominantly composed of rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. It is uninhabited by humans and is primarily used as a nesting site for various seabird species, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. These birds can be observed during their breeding season, which typically lasts from spring to summer.

Access to Carreg Tomas is limited, as there are no regular boat services or public transportation available to the island. However, it can be reached by private boat or kayak from the nearby coastal town of Milford Haven. Visitors are advised to take caution when venturing onto the island, as the terrain can be treacherous and slippery.

The island offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and is a haven for wildlife. Seals and dolphins can often be spotted in the waters surrounding Carreg Tomas, adding to its natural charm. It is a tranquil and secluded spot, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling mainland.

Due to its ecological significance and delicate ecosystem, Carreg Tomas has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations to enjoy.

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Carreg Tomas Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.00225/-4.9657449 or Grid Reference SM9637. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Smyth Street Fishguard

Residential street with 18thC terraced housing along the east side, as drawn in the 1839 tithe map. The street may have originally been called Barham Street, named after a local landowner, but changed to Smyth Street after the occupier of the land, John Smyth a maltster from Cornwall. In the 1901 census occupations of residents were recorded as ostler, charwoman, laundress, mason, carpenter, farm labourer, grocer, tinplate worker and retired slate quarry worker, among others.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Needle Rock from the sea

Unusual view of the sea stack from the water, thanks to a boat trip. The aperture through it is known as the Eye of the Needle. Fragments from the wrecked Hermina (1921) are said to be visible here at low water.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Guillemot breeding ledge

Guillemots 'nest' each year on this narrow ledge and paint the cliff face with their excreta. Seen from below, by boat.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Pirate cannonball in Glynymel Road

This cannonball was unearthed in the garden above. Its size and shape suggest that it was fired from a pirate or privateer ship in the harbour since it resembles the description of the cannonball that injured a local resident, Miss Mary Fenton, sister of the merchant Samuel Fenton who built the harbour walls and main warehouse during the latter part of the 18thC. It is recorded that a privateer, probably Stephen Manhant, entered the harbour in 1779 and fired cannon shot into the village.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Fishguard - Tenby House

Old building on West Street, now housing a newsagent.

Colin Smith

Fishguard - West Street

Painted gables dominate this scene in central Fishguard.

Colin Smith

Fishguard - Royal Oak

"The pub is famous for its place in history as in 1797, the French unsuccessfully attempted an invasion on the west coast of Wales only to be thwarted by the locals. This was the last invasion attempt on Britain. A peace treaty was signed between the British and French in the bar area". Link