Saint Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire — on the River Teifi
A historic inn on the banks of the Teifi since 1833. Contemporary food and drink served in beautiful surroundings, with some of the finest river views in West Wales.
Nestled on the western bank of the River Teifi, at the point where it broadens toward Cardigan Bay, The Ferry Inn has been welcoming travellers, fishermen, and locals since 1833. The inn takes its name from the ancient ferry crossing that once linked Saint Dogmaels with Cardigan — a crossing that defined the rhythms of daily life in this corner of West Wales for centuries.
"The finest seat in Pembrokeshire isn't in a castle — it's at a table by the Teifi, with a pint in hand and the cormorants fishing below."
Today, The Ferry Inn blends its deep historic character with a thoroughly contemporary approach to hospitality. The interiors marry exposed stonework and dark timber with warm lighting and modern comfort. The kitchen draws on the best of Welsh and seasonal produce, cooked with skill and served without fuss.
Original 19th-century structure, sympathetically restored and extended.
Rotating selection of Welsh craft ales alongside classic cask bitters.
Menus built around local suppliers and what grows well in West Wales.
Events, live music, and gatherings that keep the village spirit alive.
The River Teifi ebbs and flows outside our door. Watch herons stalk the shallows, cormorants dive for their supper, and the tide paint the estuary in shades that no artist could quite replicate. Over 190 outdoor seats spread across our riverside terrace, sun terrace, and lawned beer garden.
Our signature space — directly on the Teifi bank, with unobstructed views upstream to the Pembrokeshire hills and downstream to Cardigan Bay.
South-facing and sheltered — ideal for a long, lazy afternoon in the West Wales sunshine.
Generous lawn space for families, groups, and four-legged companions — all welcome.
When the light drops behind the Cardiganshire hills and the Teifi turns to copper — there is nowhere finer to be in Pembrokeshire.
Direct access to the riverbank — watch the tidal estuary from your table as you dine.
Spread across three distinct al fresco areas to suit every occasion and group size.
Outdoor heaters and covered areas mean the terrace can be enjoyed through much of the year.
Well-behaved dogs welcome throughout our outdoor spaces — water bowls always provided.
Our kitchen team draws on the extraordinary larder that West Wales provides — Pembrokeshire lamb, Teifi-caught sewin, Cardigan Bay crab, local vegetables and artisan produce from suppliers we know by name. The cooking is confident without being complicated, and the portions are the right side of generous.
Fresh dishes that change with the seasons and what arrives from our suppliers each morning. Ask your server or check our blackboard.
Allergen information: Our dishes may contain allergens. Full allergen information is available on request. Always inform a member of our team of any allergies before placing your order. Menu descriptions do not list all ingredients. Prices are inclusive of VAT. Menu subject to change with availability of seasonal produce.
We take as much care with the cellar as we do with the kitchen. Welsh craft ales, carefully chosen wines, artisan spirits, and soft drinks that actually taste of something. If we haven't got it, we probably know where you can find it.
Our rotating guest ales are chosen from the best Welsh and UK independent breweries. Current cask ales are listed on our board — we typically carry two cask bitters, a Welsh lager, and a rotating craft keg line. Ask our team what's on.
Curated selection of Old and New World bottles, available by the glass or bottle
Welsh and British distillers alongside trusted international names
Proper soft drinks and quality coffee — none of it an afterthought
"The old crossing at Saint Dogmaels, where Pembrokeshire meets Cardiganshire"
Saint Dogmaels sits at the very tip of Pembrokeshire, where the River Teifi completes its journey from the Cambrian Mountains and broadens into its estuary before meeting Cardigan Bay. For centuries, this was a crossing point — a ferry pulled across the river to link the two counties of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
The Ferry Inn opened its doors in 1833 to serve the ferry passengers, the fishermen who worked the salmon and sewin runs, and the traders who moved goods between Cardigan and the coast. Much of the original structure survives — the thick stone walls, the low-beamed ceilings, the cellar that still keeps our ales at the correct temperature without any mechanical assistance.
Licensed as a public house to serve ferry passengers and fishermen crossing the Teifi between Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
The Teifi's legendary sewin and salmon runs drew anglers from across Britain. The Ferry Inn became their natural base camp and social centre.
As motor transport made the road bridge at Cardigan the preferred crossing, the ancient ferry fell quiet — but the inn that bore its name endured.
The Ferry Inn was sensitively renovated — maintaining every inch of its historic character whilst adding contemporary kitchens, interiors, and expanded outdoor terraces.
Nearly two centuries on, The Ferry Inn remains what it always was — the place you come to after a long walk on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, or simply to watch the river go by.
The Ferry Inn has always been the social heart of Saint Dogmaels. We host live music, seasonal suppers, quiz nights, and community events throughout the year. Check back regularly or join our mailing list to hear what's coming up.
Featured Event
Saturday 1st March — 7:00pm
Join us for a special celebration of Welsh produce, Welsh music, and Welsh hospitality. A five-course tasting menu showcasing the very best of Pembrokeshire — Cardigan Bay crab, Pembrokeshire lamb, artisan Welsh cheeses — paired with wines and Welsh craft beers. Live Welsh folk music from 9pm. Tickets are £65 per person, including a welcome glass of Penderyn malt whisky.
Book Your PlaceWhether it is a milestone birthday, a wedding reception, a corporate away-day, or an intimate anniversary dinner, The Ferry Inn offers a setting unlike any other in West Wales. The riverside location, the historic building, and our team's commitment to exceptional food and service make every private event something genuinely memorable.
Up to 80 seated inside; up to 200 for outdoor receptions on the riverside terrace.
Full exclusive hire available on selected dates — the entire inn is yours.
Our kitchen team will work with you to create a menu that suits your event, budget, and guests.
A magical backdrop for wedding receptions, with riverbank access for photography.
We stumbled upon The Ferry Inn after walking the last stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path into Saint Dogmaels. Tired, hungry, and a little wind-battered, we sat on the terrace with pints of local ale and watched the Teifi go by. The food was outstanding — the lamb shank was exceptional. One of those evenings you genuinely remember.
We had our wedding reception here in June and the team were absolutely wonderful from first enquiry to last dance. The riverside setting meant every photograph was spectacular, the food was genuinely some of the best we ate all year, and the whole day felt effortless. Cannot recommend The Ferry Inn highly enough for any celebration.
A genuinely special pub. The kind of place that reminds you what a village local can be when it is done properly. The bar selection is excellent, the staff are warm and knowledgeable, and the view from the terrace is worth making a long detour for. We come back every time we visit Pembrokeshire — and probably always will.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout our outdoor spaces and in the bar area. Water bowls always provided. Treats available on request at the bar.
Saint Dogmaels and the surrounding area is one of the finest places in Wales to walk with a dog. From the estuary path along the Teifi to the clifftop sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Poppit Sands, the walking is extraordinary. The Ferry Inn is the natural start and finish point for any walk — with a very warm welcome for well-behaved dogs of every size and breed.
Dogs welcome on the riverside terrace, sun terrace, and beer garden throughout.
Dogs welcome in our bar — please keep them on a lead inside.
Fresh water bowls always available. Just ask at the bar for a biscuit.
We keep maps of local dog-friendly walks at the bar. Poppit Sands is 2 miles away.
The Ferry Inn sits at the gateway to some of Wales's most dramatic and beautiful landscapes. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or making a longer stay, there is more to explore than most people realise.
2 miles
Sandy beach at the mouth of the Teifi estuary — the northern trailhead for the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
1 mile
Vibrant market town with the restored Cardigan Castle, independent shops, and a thriving food scene.
Walking distance
12th-century Tironensian abbey ruins, just a short walk through the village. Ancient and atmospheric.
On the doorstep
Follow the river inland through ancient oak woodland — some of the finest riverside walking in Wales.
Kitchen serves food until one hour before closing. Sunday Roast served 12:00–17:00. Bank Holiday hours may vary — check our social media for updates.
Saint Dogmaels sits just across the River Teifi from Cardigan, in the far west of Pembrokeshire. The village is easily reached by car, and within comfortable walking distance of Cardigan town centre via the footbridge.
Free customer car parking is available directly adjacent to The Ferry Inn. The car park is shared with the Poppit Sands road and can be busy in high summer — arriving before noon is recommended for weekend lunch visits during July and August.
Events, seasonal menus, and a little something from the Teifi — straight to your inbox.