Mathry sits on a hill and offers sweeping panoramic views of the coast. Narrow streets run across the entire hilltop. In the village centre stands the Church of the Holy Martyrs, visible for many miles. These features give the place a clear spatial orientation: the church is a central landmark, while the small network of streets stretches across the hill. Together with its early medieval stone monuments, Mathry combines a peaceful village character and a sweeping coastal panorama with a cultural and historical focus. If you are considering Mathry as a place to stay, you can weigh up whether the landscape, local history or both will be the deciding factor.

Village, church and early history

The Church of the Holy Martyrs is a Grade 2 listed building. It is associated with the tradition of the seven saints who were sent to Mathry. One historical interpretation traces Mathry’s origins back to the Iron Age, when it is thought to have served as a defensive fort. These two associations are distinct: the seven saints belong to the church’s religious tradition, while the Iron Age interpretation concerns the village’s origins and its function at the time. Mathry thus brings together religious tradition and early local history, offering different ways to explore the past.

Inscriptions and stone carving

Mathry 1 stands in the church porch. The stone bears a Latin inscription in Roman letters as well as a fragmentary Ogham inscription; both are thought to date from the 6th century. Mathry 3 is set into the outer western face of the Church of the Holy Martyrs’ cemetery wall. Its carving depicts a linear equal-armed ring cross within a ring and is thought to date from the 7th to 9th centuries. St Edrins 2 is currently on the north side of the chancel.

The monuments differ in form and location: Mathry 1 features two writing systems, while Mathry 3 bears a cross motif. “Equal-armed” means that the arms are of equal length; the ring encloses the cross. Their locations also differ: Mathry 1 and St Edrins 2 are inside the church, while Mathry 3 is in the cemetery wall. If you would like to see Mathry 1 or St Edrins 2 in person, check in advance whether the church is open.

Plan your journey and stay

The Strumble Shuttle connects Mathry with Fishguard. As the route may change, check the operator’s latest information before travelling. If the shuttle is important for your journey, plan according to the information for your travel date. The connection may also be a factor when choosing where to stay, if Fishguard is part of your trip too. This lets you consider Mathry as a place to stay for both its hilltop and coastal setting and its cultural and historical focus in the village.

Discover more destinations: Wisemans Bridge, Abercych, Porthgain, Cilgerran, Camrose, Narberth, Clarbeston Road, Treffynnon

Return to the main travel overview: Pembrokeshire.