Fabulous ferries and forts Most of us think of Holyhead as a place we pass through on the way to Ireland, but the area has plenty to offer those who want to stay a little longer which is rich in ancient features and links to a proud past, will continue to thrive.
Early settlers
Settlements in the area date from prehistoric times, with circular huts, burial chambers and standing stones having been found here in higher concentration Historic remains near Holyhead include Soldier’s Point than anywhere else in Britain. The town olyhead is perched on Holy Island, centre is built around St Cybi’s Church, connected to Anglesey by road and rail which was in turn built inside a three-walled Roman fort – the fourth “wall” being the sea. bridges and used by passengers and freight as the launch point for journeys to Ireland. The Romans had a strong presence in At the beginning of last year, Holyhead was Holyhead, and also built a watchtower on top the UK’s second biggest roll-on, roll-off ferry of Mynydd y Twr (Holyhead Mountain). The town’s name in Welsh, Caergybi, is related port, behind only Dover for the number to this fort, and the original form of the of vessels that came and went every day. name is thought to be at least a thousand Most of the town’s residents are employed by one of the big ferry years old. Other forms it has been DID YOU companies or at the port and known by over the years include KNOW? Cor Gybi (seat of Cybi), Castrum harbour facilities. But that may be Holyhead Cuby (the fortified military camp set to change, with Brexit having a breakwater is the longest of Cybi) and Gorffwysfa Gybi huge impact on trade with Ireland in the UK – by January this year, freight traffic (Cybi’s resting place). The English from Ireland had already halved. form has only been around since The town has other industries though. the 14th century. This title honours the religious and holy nature of the place, and the At one time, the local aluminium plant was a huge employer, while new retail island it sits on, and has the same meaning developments have also created jobs. One when translated as Penzance in Cornwall. of the port’s main jetties is still popular with cruise ships that dock to meet up Modern attractions with coaches touring Anglesey and further Holyhead boasts its own arts centre, the into Wales. Whatever the future holds for Ucheldre Centre, which is housed in the Holyhead, one thing is certain: the town, chapel of an old convent and holds regular
arts exhibitions, performances, workshops and film screenings. There is also a library in the old market hall. This determination to use and embrace the town’s older buildings is reflected throughout Holyhead: the Maritime Museum is inside what is claimed to be Wales’s oldest lifeboat house. The area is home to several lighthouses, and the main one at South Stack is open to the public. The area is also home to an RSPB reserve, and people come from far and wide in the hope of spotting a puffin on the cliffs. With changes afoot for the town, it’s a good time to stop and see what else there is to offer before getting on board a ferry.
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The old lifeboat station – now a bistro – at Newry beach in Holyhead THINGS TO SEE AND DO Holyhead Maritime Museum Newry Beach, Holyhead LL65 1YD www.holyheadmaritimemuseum.co.uk The Ucheldre Centre Millbank, Holyhead LL65 1TE www.ucheldre.org RSPB South Stack Visitor Centre South Stack Road, Holyhead LL65 1YH www.rspb.org.uk
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