A Welsh coastal town on Anglesey island serving as a key ferry gateway to Ireland. Active port area, historic St. Cybi's Church, and maritime trade since Roman times.
Holyhead, the largest town on Holy Island in Wales, serves as a major Irish Sea port connecting to Dublin. Walk along the rocky coastline to spot guillemots diving for fish near South Stack Lighthouse, hike the 130-mile Anglesey Coastal Path, or step inside the 1,500-year-old St Cybi's Church. The town's Maritime Museum tells stories of local shipwrecks, while Breakwater Country Park draws birdwatchers to its colonies of rare seabirds.
Getting Around Holyhead
Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales trains stop at Holyhead station on the North Wales Coast Line. The compact town center takes about 15 minutes to cross on foot. Local buses run every 30 minutes to beaches and attractions. The Anglesey Coastal Path begins at the Maritime Museum and circles the entire island.
Coastal Wildlife and Activities
Descend 400 steps to reach South Stack Lighthouse on its rocky islet. From March to July, watch guillemots and razorbills nest on cliff ledges from the RSPB visitor centre at Ellins Tower, while puffins dig burrows in the grassy areas above. Local guides lead coasteering sessions that combine sea swimming with rock climbing and cliff jumping - book these through Anglesey Adventures or Snowdonia Watersports.
Parks and Walking Routes
Breakwater Country Park's audio trails guide you through its mining history and wildlife. The park's converted brick shed now displays local artists' work. Follow the coastal path north to reach Porth Namarch and North Stack, where you might spot seals in the waters below.
Ancient Sites and Roman Remains
St Cybi's Church, built in 550 AD, sits within the walls of Caer Gybi Roman fort. Walk 1.5 miles southeast to find the Neolithic Trefignath Burial Chamber. On Holyhead Mountain, explore the TÅ· Mawr hut group - foundations of about 50 stone dwellings from the late Neolithic or early Bronze age.
Maritime History and Culture
The Maritime Museum displays recovered items from over 100 local shipwrecks and includes a World War II air-raid shelter containing original artifacts. Visit the Ucheldre Centre, housed in a former convent chapel, for art exhibitions, live performances, and film screenings.
Beaches and Bays
Swim and windsurf at Trearddur Bay's sandy beaches, two miles south of Holyhead. Snorkel or scuba dive in the clear waters of Porth Dafarch cove, located between Trearddur Bay and Holyhead. Borth Wen Beach, on Holyhead's southern shore, stays calm thanks to its sheltered position.
