100 interesting facts about Anglesey

Here are 100 interesting facts about Anglesey, a Welsh island located in the Irish Sea:

1. Anglesey, known as Ynys Môn in Welsh, is the largest island in Wales and the seventh-largest in the British Isles.

2. It covers an area of approximately 276 square miles (715 square kilometers).

3. The island is connected to the mainland of Wales by two bridges: the Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge.

4. The Menai Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, was the first modern suspension bridge in the world.

5. The Britannia Bridge, initially designed by Robert Stephenson as a tubular bridge for rail traffic, was later rebuilt as a two-tiered bridge carrying both road and rail.

6. The island’s coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), covering about 85% of its coast.

7. The island’s highest point is Holyhead Mountain at 722 feet (220 meters).

8. Anglesey is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including various rare and endemic species.

9. The South Stack Lighthouse, located on the summit of a small island off the coast of Holyhead, has been a crucial navigation aid since its construction in 1809.

10. Anglesey is home to over 60 ancient monuments, including burial chambers, hillforts, and standing stones.

11. The island was once the spiritual and political center of the Druids in Britain.

12. The town of Beaumaris hosts a well-preserved 13th-century castle, considered a perfect example of concentric castle design.

13. Llangefni, the county town of Anglesey, houses Oriel Ynys Môn, a museum and arts center dedicated to preserving the island’s culture.

14. Anglesey is known for its diverse bird population, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

15. The island is home to a colony of red squirrels, especially in the Pentraeth forest.

16. Anglesey has its own sea zoo, which is Wales’s largest marine aquarium.

17. Plas Newydd, a historic house on the shores of the Menai Strait, boasts a large mural by renowned artist Rex Whistler.

18. The island has a rich history of copper mining, particularly at the Parys Mountain.

19. Anglesey has a population of approximately 70,000 people, with a significant percentage speaking Welsh as their first language.

20. The island hosts the annual Anglesey Agricultural Show, showcasing the best of local farming and produce.

21. St Cybi’s Church in Holyhead is a fortified ecclesiastical site dating back to the 13th century.

22. Anglesey is home to several sandy beaches, including Rhosneigr, Trearddur Bay, and Benllech.

23. The island is a popular destination for water sports, such as surfing, sailing, and kayaking.

24. The Anglesey Coastal Path, a 200km trail, offers stunning views of the island’s coastline.

25. The island has its own motor racing circuit, the Anglesey Circuit, known as “Trac Môn” in Welsh.

26. The village of Newborough hosts one of Britain’s most important nature reserves, the Newborough Warren.

27. The Skerries, a group of rocky islets off the Anglesey coast, host an iconic lighthouse and a seabird sanctuary.

28. Anglesey’s economy traditionally relied on agriculture, but tourism and energy production are now significant sectors.

29. Cemaes, the most northerly village in Wales, is located on Anglesey.

30. Anglesey Sea Salt, or Halen Môn, is a famous local product, awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

31. The island was the last stronghold of the Druids during the Roman conquest of Britain.

32. Llynnon Mill, the only working windmill in Wales, is located in Llanddeusant, Anglesey.

33. The island is home to numerous prehistoric sites, such as the Barclodiad y Gawres burial chamber.

34. Anglesey has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and annual events like the Anglesey Arts Weeks.

35. The island was once a significant source of manganese, a crucial element in steel production.

36. Red Wharf Bay, a large sandy bay on the island’s east coast, is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

37. Anglesey has its own airport, the Anglesey Airport, with regular flights to Cardiff.

38. Moelfre is a picturesque seaside village known for its lifeboat station and maritime heritage.

39. The island’s diverse geology includes Precambrian schists, Carboniferous Limestone, and numerous mineral veins.

40. Din Lligwy, an ancient fortified homestead, is one of the best-preserved Iron Age settlements in Wales.

41. The iconic Menai Strait separates Anglesey from the mainland of Wales, known for its strong tidal currents.

42. Holy Island, an island off the western coast of Anglesey, houses Holyhead, the largest town on Anglesey.

43. A significant percentage of Anglesey’s workforce is employed at the Wylfa Nuclear Power Station.

44. The island’s mild climate and fertile soil support a rich variety of crops, including potatoes, barley, and oats.

45. Ynys Llanddwyn, a tidal island off the Anglesey coast, is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St. Dwynwen.

46. Anglesey has a long history of shipbuilding, dating back to the 18th century.

47. The Anglesey Coastal Path is part of the Wales Coast Path, a 870-mile long-distance walking route around the Welsh coastline.

48. The island is home to numerous sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), protecting its unique habitats and species.

49. Anglesey is a popular location for TV and film productions, such as the BBC drama series ‘Keeping Faith’.

50. The village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, usually abbreviated to Llanfairpwll or Llanfair PG, has the longest place name in Europe and one of the longest in the world.

51. Malltraeth Marsh, a large wetland area, is a vital habitat for various bird species.

52. The RNLI Moelfre Lifeboat Station is one of the busiest in the UK.

53. Charles, Prince of Wales, spent a term at the Welsh-speaking secondary school, Ysgol David Hughes in Menai Bridge, as a young man to learn about Welsh culture and language.

54. In the early 19th century, the village of Amlwch was home to the world’s biggest copper mine.

55. The island was once rich in sea salt production during the Roman era.

56. Rhoscolyn, on the west coast of Anglesey, is a famous spot for rock climbing.

57. The island hosts an annual endurance event, the Ring O’ Fire, a coastal ultra-marathon over three days.

58. The town of Menai Bridge hosts an annual seafood festival attracting food lovers from all over the country.

59. RAF Valley on Anglesey is a significant military airbase and also the place where Prince William served as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

60

. Holyhead Harbour is a major Irish Sea port, providing ferry services to Dublin.

61. The Maritime Museum in Holyhead provides insight into the town’s rich seafaring history.

62. Bryn Celli Ddu, a prehistoric site on the island, aligns with the summer solstice sunrise.

63. Beaumaris Gaol, a disused prison, now operates as a museum, highlighting the Victorian prison system’s historical aspects.

64. The island has many local legends, including tales of ancient Celtic warriors and saints.

65. The Menai Strait oysters and mussels are famous local seafood specialties.

66. Penmon Point, on the eastern tip of Anglesey, offers stunning views of Puffin Island and the Great Orme.

67. Traeth Bychan is a popular beach for various watersports, including sailing, water skiing, and wakeboarding.

68. The Anglesey Racing Circuit holds regular events, including car and motorcycle racing, as well as rallycross.

69. The island is home to the rare silver-studded blue butterfly.

70. The National Trust manages several properties and areas on the island, including Plas Newydd and South Stack Cliffs.

71. Anglesey’s farmers’ markets are renowned for their fresh local produce, including cheese, meat, and baked goods.

72. The island has a number of well-preserved wind and watermills, showcasing its agricultural history.

73. It is believed that the name Anglesey is derived from “Ongle’s ey”, meaning “Ongle’s island” in Old Norse, suggesting the island’s Viking connections.

74. Puffin Island, off the eastern coast of Anglesey, is a bird sanctuary home to puffins, cormorants, and guillemots.

75. Trearddur Bay, a village and resort on Holy Island, is known for its attractive sandy beach.

76. The island has several golf courses, offering stunning views of the surrounding seascape.

77. Breakwater Country Park, located in Holyhead, provides a fascinating insight into the town’s quarrying history.

78. Anglesey hosted the National Eisteddfod, one of the world’s largest cultural festivals, in 1957 and 1999.

79. The Anglesey Model Village & Gardens is a popular attraction, showcasing miniature replicas of Anglesey landmarks.

80. The island has a number of scenic cycling routes, with bike hire available at various locations.

81. Several charter companies on the island offer deep-sea fishing trips.

82. The island was the site of the Roman invasion led by Suetonius Paulinus in AD 60.

83. Numerous campgrounds and caravan parks on the island cater to its vibrant camping culture.

84. The RibRide Adventure boat tour from Menai Bridge offers an exhilarating way to explore the Menai Strait and nearby landmarks.

85. Anglesey’s landscape inspired many works by the Welsh artist Sir Kyffin Williams.

86. The island is a popular spot for stargazing, with several Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

87. Anglesey is known for its diverse marine life, including seals, porpoises, and various fish species.

88. The local honey produced by Anglesey’s bees is highly prized for its unique flavor, influenced by the island’s wildflowers.

89. Beaumaris Victorian Pier, a popular spot for crabbing, offers stunning views of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait.

90. Aberffraw village was once the capital of the Kingdom of Gwynedd in the early Middle Ages.

91. Anglesey is home to several craft breweries and a distillery producing gin and whiskey.

92. Numerous walking festivals occur throughout the year, providing guided walks around the island.

93. The island was home to a WWII prisoner of war camp, known as Island Farm Camp.

94. The iconic South Stack Cliffs are an important habitat for thousands of breeding seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

95. The James Pringle Weavers shop in Llanfairpwll is a popular tourist stop for Welsh goods.

96. The Seawatch Centre at Moelfre provides insights into the island’s rich maritime history.

97. Amlwch Port was once crucial for the export of copper from the Parys Mountain mines.

98. The Dingle Nature Reserve in Llangefni is home to a rich variety of wildlife and has a sculpture trail.

99. The island has a rich folklore, including tales of fairies, witches, and ghosts.

100. Every year, a swim race, the Menai Strait Swim, takes place from the mainland to Anglesey across the famous strait.