Welsh Coast and Country Cottages

This explains the close connections between much of Wales and Irelands Celtic history. The area around St Davids is steeped in history myths and legends, the most significant historical building being the cathedral.

People still flock to the area just as they did in the middle ages when it was a site of pilgrimage, it is said that three visits to St Davids was equivalent to one to Rome.

City Council Web Site

The Cathedral

The Cathedral is said to date back to the 6th century and house the remains of St David.

There are numerous points of interest to note. The ceiling of the nave is carved from Irish bog oak and many of the mason's marks seen on the structure can be compared with marks in other cathedrals. The choir stalls are the same, or very similar, to the stalls in Gloucester. Make sure you find Bishop Abrahams Celtic cross, and look out for the marble dog!

Cathedral Website


The cathedral close is bounded on one side by the river Alun. (If you follow the river you may well meet the local children collecting tadpoles in the old fish pools!)

There are nine stone bridges crossing the river. If you cross the bridge between the Cathedral and St Mary’s chapel you will find yourself at the ruined Bishops Palace. The reason it became a ruin is that the lead was stripped from the roof to provide a dowry for the Bishops daughter!


Within an easy walk of the city is St Non’s well, said to be the birth place of St David, it is a lovely peaceful setting on the cliff top, you have to cross though one field to reach the well which is reputed to have sprung up during the thunderstorm when St David was born, go through the second kissing gate over to the ruined chapel.

There are several lovely walks along the coastal path here and this area is well worth visiting for the scenery as well as the history.




The bell tower and old Portcullis gate in the Cathedral walls always fascinate children and often on Sundays and special occasions you can hear the bells being rung.

Around the parish there are numerous other small chapels and old walled gardens, Cromlechs and lots of privately owned properties boasting Flemish Chimneys!

There is a hut circle at St David's Head and a chapel at St Justinian. Keep your eyes open wherever you go!