PLACES TO VISIT - HOLYHEAD (CAERGYBI)
The town of Holyhead is steeped in history and a lot of it is maritime history, although some of it goes back to the Romans times!
Holyhead is actually situated on Holy Island, a separate Island to Anglesey, originally it was only connected to Anglesey by four mile bridge, as it was 4 miles to Holyhead from that point, but now you can travel on the A55 and join via the Stanley embankment.
Holyhead is the largest town on Anglesey, but not the capital of the county. There are many things to do around this town with some amazing scenery and attractions along its coast.
Just prior to Holyhead on the A5 there is the Penrhos nature reserve, created by the former Anglesey Aluminium, soon to become a Biomass unit with a feed of sea water in which will be heated and then used for breeding Sea fish and Prawns.
Adventure Rib Rides at Holyhead
During the summer months it is possible to book a adventure boat trip with RibRide.
This is a fantastic way to see the north western corner of Anglesey from the sea.
Trips can take you over to the lighthouse on the Skerries built in 1716, then back across to the RSPB South Stack cliffs nature reserve and the iconic lighthouse on South Stack.
At the North end of the town there is the promenade, which makes a pleasant walk, this runs along Newry beach, and has some lovely views over to the North of Anglesey Church bay (Porth Swtan) can be seen from here.
Holyhead Maritime Museum
The maritime museum, which is located at the port end of the promenade.
This fantastic little museum is based in the old Holyhead lifeboat Station which was established in 1828 and it is claimed that it is the oldest Lifeboat station in Wales.
The museum is full of local shipping history and artifacts, there is also a mock air raid shelter that you can visit. The Harbourfront Bistro is a fully licensed restaurant and bar located next to
The Holyhead Maritime Museum directly on the beautiful Newry Beach in Holyhead Harbour. At high tide the sea reaches underneath our restaurants deck - you cannot dine any closer to the water in Anglesey!
Holyhead Breakwater Country Park
The Breakwater Country Park at Holyhead is a fantastic place to visit. This is the quarry that supplied the Limestone for the Holyhead Breakwater.
This park is a beautiful place for walks, with beautiful coastal views, a place where the kids can explore, learn about and see nature and learn about the history of the quarry too.
There is even a lake where you do some coarse fishing.
Holyhead Breakwater
As you walk along the promenade you will notice the Holyhead Breakwater that was built during the 1800’s.
This breakwater is 1.6 miles long and is the largest breakwater in the UK, and is extremely popular with fishing during nice weather.
It is also a fantastic walk with some amazing views over to the north of Anglesey.
This mega structure was built to protect the Port from the westerly winds, the stone to build this Breakwater came from a nearby quarry, which is now the Breakwater Country Park which is full of quarry history, exhibits, nature trails and a man made lake for fresh water fishing. The park also has its own Cafe.
Holyhead Roman Fort
Holyhead was also a popular place with the Romans, there are various remains of the Roman occupation, remains of a Roman Fortlet can be found surrounding St. Cybi’s church.
This three walled Fortlet is one of only a few in Europe. Holyhead mountain also has the remains of a watch tower.
An exciting new discovery at the end of 2015 saw the discovery of a small Roman fort or “Fortlet” by Gwynedd Archaeological Trust in Wylfa. Work is continuing at the site but geophysical survey has already outlined the site which shows possible buildings surrounded by ditches.
It has been suggested to date to the first century AD when the Romans first came to Britain.
Penrhos Coastal Park
Penrhos Coastal Park was originally built by Anglesey Aluminium and is situated on the outskirts of Holyhead.
This is a another stunning location on Anglesey to see wildlife and birds. Now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
You can take a walk through the woods up to the headland at Gorsedd Y Penrhyn where you will get fantastic views across to North Anglesey and the port of Holyhead.
The Port of Holyhead is a very busy port and is the main hub for marine traffic to and from Ireland and also has it’s own lifeboat which unlike the other lifeboats around Anglesey is permanently moored in the harbour.
The actor and comedienne Dawn French was also born in the town of Holyhead
Holyhead is easy to get to, stay on the A55 till the roundabout at junction 1.
The Postcode for Holyhead is LL65 1YD
