- Revd Griffith Davies is ordained minster of Tabernacle chapel. Remarried in 1889 and then lived at Argoed, Feidrhenffordd. He died 12 Dec 1896, 65 years old.
- Trade: Inward – 351 coasting vessels, 5 foreign vessels, 99 steam vessels; Outward 90 steam vessels, 95 sailing vessels
- April: R & J Dicks, boot and shoe established at 3 Priory St.
- Frank Miles, artist, focus of attention
- Neptool Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club formed
- Temperance Hall opened at Pritchard Fach
- November Elections: Joseph Rees 277; Robert E. Rees 319; Jacob Trollip 227; James Williams 178; William Woodward 336; Dr James Phillips mayor
- 14/11 Naval Reserve Battery inspected by Duke of Edinburgh
The following were buried in St Mary’s Church cemetery:
- BB10 Susannah PEARCE, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Llynfelin Cottages, 19 Jan 1881, 6, daughter of Alfred
- HH20 Susan LOWTHER, Cardigan, St Mary’s, 22 Feb 1881, 89, widow
- Davies, Anne dau of David & Jane 24/02/1881 aged 24 MPI12
- NAA02 Thomas WILLIAMS, Cardigan, High St, 14 Apr 1881, 68, draper
- NB10 Sarah Emily DANIEL, Cardigan, St Mary St, 16 Jun 1881, 13, daughter of John R & Esther
- SD08 Daniel REES, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Cnwcydyntir, 9 Nov 1881, 47, labourer
- NA04 Thomas MORGAN, Cardigan, St Mary’s, New Cottage, 11 Dec 1881, 47, butcher
Cardigan through the ages 