The Celtic Routes - 6 Destinations in Wales To Visit This Year (2026)

Travel as we know it has changed significantly in the last 18 months. But the Celtic nations of Wales and Ireland offer space in abundance, making for an ideal socially-distanced holiday. More specifically the counties of Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford in Ireland, and Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion in Wales, which together form the spectacular Celtic Routes. These destinations in Wales are perfect for those precious getaways.

View of a golden sand beach in a small bay with a green headland in the distance. Freshwater East is one of the most beautiful destinations in Wales

This is the first of two blogs in my series about the Celtic Routes where I’ll be sharing my top highlights from across both the Welsh and Irish counties. First up…Wales!

Countless myths and legends have been passed down through the ages and forged the two Celtic nations of Wales and Ireland together, creating a relationship based on centuries of shared history.

To celebrate this connection, a new travel partnership has been launched to guide travellers between the rugged mountains and spectacular coastlines of Ireland’s Ancient East and West Wales.

Use this blog to inspire your next trip, as you discover the heritage and beauty of the Celtic Routes.

Table of Contents

1 6 destinations in Wales along the Celtic Routes
2 How to get to these Celtic Routes destinations in Wales?

6 destinations in Wales along the Celtic Routes

Go off the beaten track to get to one of Pembrokeshire’s gems

View of a rocky beach and coastline with a headland in the distance and pink flower in the foreground — Image Credit: Celtic Routes

Marloes Sands is one of Pembrokeshire’s lesser visited beaches, but certainly not one to be overlooked if you’re in the area.

The half-mile cliff walk down from the car park and no facilities on the beach are namely why it’s a quieter spot. However, for your efforts you’ll be met with almost a mile long stretch of sweeping sand, sandstone towers standing in low-tide pools and views of Skokholm and Gateholm islands.

The flat sand is perfect for beach games and the crystal-clear water makes for great surfing. Good ol’ Mother Nature!

Forage for lunch on the Carmarthenshire coast

Looking inside a wicker basket with oysters, clams, cockles, prawns, mussels and samphire — Image credit: Celtic Routes

The Celts had a spiritual bond with the natural world and believed that the sea is a source of healing, cleansing, food and wealth. So, what better way to step into the footsteps of the Celts than on a foraging experience along the Carmarthenshire coastline?

You’ll learn how to find prawns, mussels, cockles, wild samphire, sea anemones, and scarlet elf cup mushrooms. The reward? Your very own zero-waste, organic lunch on the beach.

One of the best beaches for foraging is Llansteffan, and its golden sands and secluded coves are worth a visit even if you’re not taking part in this activity.

Once you’re done on the beach, climb up to the 12^th Century Norman castle in the town which overlooks the Tywi Estuary.

Step back in time at Cardigan Castle

Aerial view of a town by the river with castle walls and bridge, and rolling hills in the distance. One of best destinations in Wales for Celtic heritage — Image credit: Celtic Routes

As the first stone castle ever built by a Welshman, Cardigan Castle has over 900 years of history contained behind its walls.

Overlooking the River Teifi in the town of Cardigan in Ceredigion, it was also the birthplace of Wales’ annual cultural festival, the Eisteddfod, which was first held here in 1176.

Visitors can stay and dine at the castle, explore the twists and turns of its history or enjoy one of a series of summer concerts, or autumn and Christmas fairs held in the grounds .

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Lace up your walking boots for a day at Llyn Brianne

Aerial view of a large reservoir with rolling hills all around it, some covered in trees and some open fields — Image credit: Celtic Routes

Llyn Brianne is a stunning reservoir, holding over 64 million cubic metres of water contained in a 300ft stone-built dam, the largest of its kind in Europe.

This beauty spot in Carmarthenshire is ideal for bird watching, fishing and mountain biking. But failing that, walking along its trail is a must if you’re in the area.

Llyn Brianne is also renowned for its stargazing and was officially awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site status in October 2019, the first site to receive such an award in the Cambrian Mountains. With wide open skies and uninterrupted vistas in nearly all directions, it’s a perfect location for spotting shooting stars.

Try your hand at water sports at Newgale

Aerial view of a long stretch of sand with beautiful emerald green sea and rolling cliffs and fields in the distance — Image credit: Celtic Routes

Due to its west facing position, Newgale is open to winds from the Atlantic making it a surfer’s paradise.

Coal was mined at Newgale in Pembrokeshire as early as the 15^th century, with the remaining ruins of the colliery overlooking the southern end of the beach.

If water sports are your thing, the beach is also popular for windsurfing, kayaking and kite surfers with lessons available on site. As well as two miles of golden sand, Newgale has parking, toilets, beach shops and refreshments, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.

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Be at one with nature at the serene Teifi Pools

Aerial view of three natural pools in an open landscape of rolling hills. One of the most beautiful destinations in Wales if you love nature — Image credit: Celtic Routes

Hidden in the hills of north Ceredigion lie the tranquil Teifi Pools. The largest of the lakes, Llyn Teifi (‘llyn’ meaning ‘lake’ in the Welsh language), is the source of the River Teifi, which meets the coast at Cardigan and forms most of the southern county boundary. The River Teifi is one of the longest rivers in Wales.

The group of glacial lakes are the perfect place to immerse yourself in wild solitude. This is an experience for adventurous souls who like to be at one with nature. The Teifi Pools are a favourite fishing spot of international anglers.

Spend a short break taking in the breathtaking scenery, which is also pretty outstanding at sunset too.

How to get to these Celtic Routes destinations in Wales?

Road – Your Celtic Routes adventure is accessible by car, exploring Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion on the West Wales Way before crossing to Ireland. Or vice versa, driving along the coast of Wicklow, Waterford and Wexford before crossing into Wales.

Sea – After exploring Wales’ Celtic Routes offering, you can catch a ferry from Fishguard in Wales to Rosslare in Ireland.

Air – Fly direct to Cardiff, Bristol or London airports, hire a car and then drive south to Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

To start planning your trip across the Celtic Routes, go to celticroutes.info for more information and inspiration and follow Celtic Routes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Travel in and out of Wales is currently permitted. However travel in and out of Ireland is not due to coronavirus. This blog has been published to inspire travel to the Celtic Routes when it is safe to do so. Travel restrictions are being continually reviewed and for the latest updates in both Ireland and Wales visit the Irish Government’s Covid-19 Travel Advice List and the Welsh Government’s Travel Advice Website.

I hope this article inspires you to visit these Celtic Routes destinations in Wales.
Which one will you visit first? Let me know in the comments!