AN IDYLLIC former coastguard ‘s cottage in a tiny Pembrokeshire village could prove to be ideal for someone on the lookout for a coastal bolthole.

The cosy cottage, nestled at the heart of historic Bosherston, with its parish church dating from the 1200’s, is in the world-renowned Pembrokeshire National Park.

The village is close to the National Trust’s tranquil Bosherston Lily Ponds, three flooded limestone valleys resplendent with the colour and heady scent of lilies in June and teeming with a multitude of wildlife all year round.

 The area near the village is renowned as a centre for intrepid rock climbing pursuits on challenging nearby sheer coastal crags.

Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the singular property, said: “The Haven is a gorgeous cottage in one of the prettiest parts of Pembrokeshire. The former coastguard’s cottage does need refurbishment and updating but once complete could make an ideal coastal retreat or holiday home.

“The property currently provides a lounge, kitchen area and three bedrooms also has an outbuilding at the rear which was previously been used as an office. It has two store rooms, a toilet and office area.

“The historic building has planning for a new access, an extension, a loft conversion and alterations to the property.

“Situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park as well as being close to Bosherston Lily Ponds it is also near to the awesome Broad Haven Beach and contemplative St Govan’s Chapel.

“The cottage’s lawned grounds are enclosed by a wall and fencing. Given the tourism in the area the property could be developed into lucrative holiday rental.

“Bosherston is a tiny village just five miles south of the county town of Pembroke. Two miles to the south of Bosherston, nestled within the steep cliffs is St Govan’s Chapel. It is free to visit, although the only access is down steep steps carved into the side of the cliff. Barafundle Bay is just around the corner and there is a wealth of other sandy beaches and glorious coastal paths and walks, nearby

“Complete with period fireplace and cooking range, Haven is listed for sale with a guide price of £149,000.”

The coastguard’s cottage, together with some ninety other varied lots, will be offered for sale at Paul Fosh Auctions online starting at 12 noon on Thursday April 15 and ending from 5pm on Thursday, April 17.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Picture caption: Bolthole: This cute, former Pembrokeshire coastguard’s cottage is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £149,000. 

Vessel to be largest and fastest cruise ferry on the Irish Sea

IRISH FERRIES has announced the addition of a new cruise ferry to its fleet, confirming the purchase of the STAR 1 from Tallink Hansaway Limited. Built in 2007 in Finland at the same shipyard as the ULYSSES, the vessel previously operated with Irish Ferries under charter and will now return to service under its former name, JAMES JOYCE.

The JAMES JOYCE will rejoin the fleet in May, operating on the Dublin–Holyhead route alongside the ULYSSES and the DUBLIN SWIFT.

With capacity for more than 2,000 passengers and 2,380 lane metres for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles, the JAMES JOYCE will become the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea. It also boasts the largest onboard retail space on any cruise ferry in the region, with over 17,000 square feet dedicated to shopping, making it a key destination for duty-free bargains.

Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, the ship features a blend of classic and modern interiors. Facilities include ample cabin accommodation, a Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming area, pet-friendly spaces, a children’s play area, and amenities tailored to freight drivers.

One of the standout features of the JAMES JOYCE is its top speed of 27.5 knots, making it the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea. This speed advantage will allow Irish Ferries to offer both passengers and freight customers a quicker and more reliable journey between Ireland and the UK.

Irish Ferries Managing Director, Andrew Sheen, said:
“We are delighted to announce the return of the JAMES JOYCE to our fleet. This new ship will be a fantastic addition to our service, offering customers the very best in terms of comfort, speed, and onboard facilities. Combined with the usual benefits of ferry travel—no luggage restrictions, no long security queues—we’re confident the JAMES JOYCE will become a firm favourite among passengers and freight drivers alike. We look forward to welcoming them on board.”

The JAMES JOYCE will enter service on the Dublin–Holyhead route in May, with fares starting from €138 / £132 for a single journey with a car and one adult. With its combination of scale, speed, and state-of-the-art amenities, it is set to become the premier choice for travel across the Irish Sea.

Irish Ferries also operates sailings between Rosslare and Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire, and frequently rotates vessels across its routes—so who knows, we may one day see this fine vessel serving the people of West Wales too.

VISITORS to Pembrokeshire will not face a new overnight tourism tax—at least not during the current county council administration.

As the Welsh Government’s controversial Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Bill passed its first stage in the Senedd this week, Pembrokeshire County Council has moved quickly to reassure local businesses that it has no plans to introduce the charge locally.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (Apr 1), Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said:
“We acknowledge it’s important to recognise there’s balance to be struck between supporting the industry and dealing with some of the challenges associated with peaks in season. Therefore, I’m confirming it’s not our intention to take forward the option of a visitor levy in Pembrokeshire during this administration.”

His comments will come as a relief to the county’s hospitality sector, which has expressed growing concern about the impact of a new per-night charge on tourists. Under the Welsh Government’s plans, local councils would be able to impose a charge of at least £1.25 per person, per night for hotel stays, or 75p for campsites and hostels.

Although the charge would be optional, businesses feared that pressure to raise local revenue could lead to its adoption across Wales—deterring visitors and adding to the already high cost of domestic holidays.

Council backs tourism, acknowledges challenges
Cllr Miller stressed the importance of the sector to the local economy, saying:
“We provide a fantastic tourism offer here in Pembrokeshire and it is an important part of the county’s economy.

“In addition to jobs, this administration’s approach is also about the year-round facilities and attractions that benefit local people too. We recognise the tourism landscape has experienced significant change, be that second homes legislation, tax changes and we’re aiming to provide some certainty to the industry.”

He added that like many in the sector, he was “looking forward to a great summer season” in Pembrokeshire.

‘Toxic tax’ under fire in Senedd

The announcement from County Hall came as the Welsh Conservatives renewed their calls to scrap the proposed legislation, branding it a “toxic tourism tax”.

Sam Rowlands MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, said the levy would “hit the poorest families the hardest” and was being introduced at a time when energy, water, and council tax bills were already rising.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS accused the Labour-run Welsh Government of “hiding from scrutiny” and said: “Welsh Labour has chosen to add to rising costs for families by creating a toxic tourism tax on domestic holidays. Welsh Conservatives are clear: to fix Wales, we must axe the tax.”

The Bill will now progress to further scrutiny stages in the Senedd, with more votes due later this year.

While councils like Pembrokeshire will retain the power to decide whether to adopt the levy or not, the legislation could still reshape how tourism is funded and managed across Wales in the years to come.