Ynys Llanddwyn at Sunset

Taken on a beautiful summers evening, this location is one of the most magical and enchanting places you can visit in North Wales. Ynys Llanddwyn is a coastal island that is only accessible from the mainland at low tide, so take care when visiting.

It is particularly beautiful at sunset, although I do think it is stunning any time of day in any weather. Llanddwyn means ‘the Church of St. Dwynwen”, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. This makes her the Welsh equivalent of St. valentine. There are different tales of Dwynwen, but most of them tell of how her heart was broken after falling in love with the Maelon the son of another king. An angel appeared to her giving her a potion to relieve her heartbreak, but in doing so turned her lover into ice.

The tales say God came to her and gave her three wishes, and she wished for Maelon to be thawed from ice, that she would never marry and that God would protect and guide all true lovers. God granted these wishes, and she became a nun building a church on the island. The remains of her church can be found here on the island, along with her well, a cross and a monument.

On clear days the views here are incredible, with views over Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. It is certainly one of my favourite places to visit on Anglesey.

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