Porthclais

Porthclais is a small sheltered inlet harbour near St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It stands within the St David’s Peninsula Site of Special Scientific Interest. The harbour was built in the 12th century to import coal and timber. Local fishermen and recreational sailors still use it today. The old harbour wall may date back to Roman times. The harbour appears in the medieval Mabinogion and had recorded trade by 1385. The harbour dries out at low tide, leaving exposed stone lime kilns. These kilns are among the best preserved in Pembrokeshire. Small boats, dive craft and kayaks launch here to explore St Bride’s Bay. Around fifty small boats can moor at the harbour, which is busiest in peak seasons. The site also includes a car park built on the former St Davids gasworks. Visitors find a quiet working harbour framed by cliffs. The remains of lime kilns stand beside the water. Walkers follow cliff paths above the inlet. The car park marks the spot where St David was said to have been baptised. The harbour’s sheltered waters and historic walls create a peaceful scene.