Holyhead (Wales) / United Kingdom

On the western coast of Great Britain, on the shores of the Irish Sea, lies Holyhead. The Welsh town, located on Holy Island, part of the island of Anglesey, is an important maritime port and has about 15,000 inhabitants.

The area was settled in prehistoric times, and during Roman rule, a triple wall was built here, one of the few of its kind in Europe, as well as an observatory on the summit of Holyhead Mountain. Archaeological findings prove that people sailed between Ireland and Holyhead as early as 4,000 years ago, but the port reached its peak in the 19th century when a 3-kilometer-long breakwater with a lighthouse, the longest in the country, was built here. Today, the town is a gateway to the island of Anglesey and all of Wales. 

The center of Holyhead is spread around the beautiful stone church of St. Cybi, built on the site of an older Roman fort from the mid-6th century. Those who want to delve into the interesting history of the port should not miss the Holyhead Maritime Museum, housed in what is reportedly the oldest lifeboat station in Wales, dating back to 1828.

Those interested in older history can head to the stone burial monument of Trefignath from the Neolithic period southeast of the port. On the southern slopes of Holyhead Mountain, the remains of the Ty Mawr circular dwellings, dating back to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, are still visible. In the southwestern tip of Holy Island, the church of Cwyfan, a unique stone structure, rises to the sky, cut off from the mainland by the Irish Sea at high tide.

Those who prefer art over history can visit the Ucheldre Centre in the chapel of the historic convent, where regular exhibitions, performances, workshops, and film screenings are held. The South Stack Lighthouse on the opposite side of the island was built in 1809, and besides offering stunning views, it is possible to visit a small museum and see the engine room.

Fans of active leisure can embark on one of the walking treks in Breakwater Country Park with a lake, ideal for bird watching.

Holyhead is an excellent starting point for exploring the island of Anglesey and all of Wales. Beaumaris, Conwy, and Caernarfon are three of the eight majestic medieval fortresses built along the coast during the reign of King Edward I. The fortified village of Conwy east of Holyhead, besides its enchanting castle from the late 13th century, also boasts what is reportedly the smallest house in Britain: it was built in the 16th century, has a bright red facade, and two floors with an area of only 5.5 square meters. 

Just half an hour's drive from Holyhead lies Snowdonia National Park, a beautiful landscape in the shadow of Mount Snowden, the highest peak in Wales, crisscrossed with walking treks and two steam railways. Numerous regular boat lines depart from the port, including a fast ferry directly to Dublin. The journey takes just an hour and a half, and a trip to the capital of Ireland is definitely worth it. 

Places worth seeing

Cybi's Church – Admire the beautiful stone church with colorful stained glass windows, whose history dates back to the mid-6th century.

South Stack Lighthouse – Enjoy breathtaking views from the lighthouse, built in the 19th century on a dramatic cliff on the shores of the Irish Sea.

Snowdonia National Park – Embark on a walking trek through the beautiful landscape in the shadow of Wales' highest mountain.

Holyhead Maritime Museum – Discover the interesting maritime history of this significant Welsh port and learn about the ships that were wrecked off its shores.

Conwy – Admire the majestic stone fortress from the late 13th century and also peek into the smallest house in Britain.

Ty Mawr Hut Circles – Don't miss the remains of stone circular structures from the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age.

Dublin – Embark on an hour and a half long voyage to the capital of Ireland and enjoy its interesting history, beautiful parks, and a glass of well-chilled Guinness beer.