Location/y Lleoliad
Location/y Lleoliad
Ferryside owes its name to the Ferry across the estuary of the River Towy, that was on the medieval pilgrims' route to St. David's Cathedral. Its location, easily accessible by road and rail, make it a popular place for young families and retired people alike. It has a primary school, a post office, three places of worship, a pub, 2 hotels with restaurants, a rugby club and a yacht club....and of course a beautiful beach!
Driving - If driving to the Festival, the post code for the Ferryside village square is SA17 5RW. Ferryside is about a 1.5 hour drive from Cardiff, 2 hours from Bristol and 5 hours from London. If coming from the south or east, it's easiest to take the M4 motorway to the A48 to Carmarthen, after which it's about 20 minutes on the A484 to Ferryside. If coming from Bangor, Wrexham, Liverpool in the north it's about a 4 hour drive.Train - There is a train station in the centre of Ferryside village, with direct trains links from London, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea to the south and east, and Manchester from the north.Ferry - If travelling from Ireland, there is the option to take the ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard. The Fishguard dock is about a 1.5 hour drive to Ferryside. There is also a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead in North Wales, which is about a 4 hour drive to Ferryside.Flights - The closest airport to Ferryside is in Cardiff, which is a 1.5 hour drive. Bristol Airport is further away (a bit over 2 hours) although offers a wider choice of flights. If flying to either airport you can connect to the train stations in either city and get trains to Ferryside (see above).
Travel to Ferryside
Driving - If driving to the Festival, the post code for the Ferryside village square is SA17 5RW. Ferryside is about a 1.5 hour drive from Cardiff, 2 hours from Bristol and 5 hours from London. If coming from the south or east, it's easiest to take the M4 motorway to the A48 to Carmarthen, after which it's about 20 minutes on the A484 to Ferryside. If coming from Bangor, Wrexham, Liverpool in the north it's about a 4 hour drive.Train - There is a train station in the centre of Ferryside village, with direct trains links from London, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea to the south and east, and Manchester from the north.Ferry - If travelling from Ireland, there is the option to take the ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard. The Fishguard dock is about a 1.5 hour drive to Ferryside. There is also a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead in North Wales, which is about a 4 hour drive to Ferryside.Flights - The closest airport to Ferryside is in Cardiff, which is a 1.5 hour drive. Bristol Airport is further away (a bit over 2 hours) although offers a wider choice of flights. If flying to either airport you can connect to the train stations in either city and get trains to Ferryside (see above).Travel to Ferryside
Places to Stay
Three Rivers Hotel (Ferryside) - Three star hotel, restaurant and spa on the edge of the village, about a 10 minute walk to the village square.The Red Lion (Llandyfaelog) - Family friendly pub, restaurant and B&B 3 miles from Ferryside. Tel. 01267 267530.Travel Lodge (Carmarthen) - 20 minute drive from Ferryside.Premier Inn (Llanelli) - 30 minute drive from FerrysideOther options - There is a good selection of AirBnBs, camp sites and caravan parks in and around the village.Places to Stay
Places to Eat
Places to Eat
Ferryside Village
Although only a small village, Ferryside has some great places to eat.The White Lion Pub in the centre of the village does lovely toasted sandwiches at lunchtime along with great pints all day and evening.Traeth Cafe is a wonderful little coffee shop next to the Yacht Club. Newly established since last year's festival, Traeth serves coffees, cakes and sandwiches. Tel. 01267 267512Coffee & Friends Cafe is located within Calon y Fferi and does a range of coffees, homemade cakes and lunches. Three Rivers Hotel has a restaurant for that serves both residents and non residents. Tel 01267 267270The Ferry Cabin cafe in the centre of the village.Ferryside Village
Kidwelly & nearby
It’s only a three-mile trip ‘over the hill’ to Kidwelly. The Red Lion (Llandyfaelog) - Family friendly pub, restaurant and B&B, 3 miles from Ferryside. Tel. 01267 267530.The Old Moat House offers fantastic tapas with a fine selection of wine and craft beers, just across from Kidwelly Castle. Reservations encouraged. Tel. 01554 891874.Parc y Bocs offers locally sourced food and delicious lunches for all tastes, including vegetarian and vegan. There is also a farm shop and free parking.Taj Mahal is a traditional Indian takeaway. Order by phone oronline. Deliveries are available to Ferryside. Tel. 01554 890 351.Naz Rasoi is an Indian Restaurant and takeaway is in near Pembrey. They offer delivery to Ferryside for a small charge. Tel. 01554 891083Savo’s Pizza serves pizza, kebabs, burgers and more. Order by phone or online. Deliveries are available to Ferryside. Tel. 01554 890 096.Golden Dragon Chinese takeaway has a wide menu of options for collection only. They are not offering delivery at the moment. Tel. 01554 891 092.Kidwelly Co-op - Kidwelly is the location of the nearest grocery shop and off-license, The Co-op, which is open 7am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.Kidwelly & nearby
Carmarthen (20 mins from Ferryside)
Florentino’s is an excellent and authentic Italian restaurant, serving everything from seafood to pasta to steak. Indoor and outdoor dining available and reservations advised. Tel. 01267 232 8282.Dexter’s specialises in steak and is set on the Towy estuary. Tel. 01267 223 000.The Warren is an award-winning, family-run, sustainably driven café and restaurant, powered by 100% renewable energy. Seasonal, local, organic, delicious and wholesome food. Tel. 01267 236 079.Cinnamon is widely regarded as the best Indian Restaurant in Carmarthen, It has a wider range of regional dishes than average, as well as all the old favourites. Takeaway or eat in. Tel. 01267 220211.For quick and easy pub fare, the Caraway is a Marston’s Inn located in Myrtle Hill, Pensarn (SA31 2NG). 01267 243303. You will also find Domino’s Pizza, KFC and McDonalds in the same complex. All are open 7-days a week. Delivery is not available to FerrysideCarmarthen (20 mins from Ferryside)
Festival Venues
Festival Venues
St Thomas Church
This beautiful 19th church will be the venue for both the songs workshop on Saturday and the Gala Concert Saturday evening.St Thomas Church
River Towy Yacht Club
Located on the sea front, across the level train crossing from the village square, the Yacht Club will be a main venue for the Festival. On Saturday it will be the site for registration, uilleann piping classes and lunch. On Sunday it will host the Annual Lecture, Piper's Chair and Closing Seafront Session.River Towy Yacht Club
White Lion Pub
Located on this village square, this 100 year old pub will be the site of sessions and socialising on Friday and Saturday nights.White Lion Pub
Calon-y-Fferi
Calon-y-Fferi
Calon-y-Fferi is a community centre and hotel in the heart of Ferryside. It includes a Hall (pictured above), a meeting room, a small hotel and a restaurant. This venue will be used for Saturday workshops, and the hotel is available for festival attendees.
Ferryside Village Hall
Ferryside Village Hall
The Village Hall was built in 1925 by a local businessman as a commercial venture. Originally a two storey building, the owner and family lived 'over the shop'. Also upstairs was a billiard hall, and the ground floor consisted of a shop/café, the family kitchen, a large hall. In 1948 it was taken into public ownership. The Hall will be used for classes on Saturday