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Situated off the northern coast of Anglesey, Ynys Llanddwyn or Llanddwyn Island, is a small tidal island rich in natural beauty and seeped in legend.
Although not always an island as it remains attached to the mainland at all but the highest of tides, Ynys Llanddwyn has many fascinating attributes. Geologically the island has fine examples of volcanic pillow lava, jasper formations and aeolian sand deposits. As part of the National Nature Reserve of Newborough Warren, the island and surrounding area's are a haven to many types of wildlife. Rare plant species can be found in the nearby sand dunes, and many types of seabirds nest on the surrounding cliffs.
With so much natural beauty, it's not surprising that Ynys Llanddwyn is home to one of the most romantic Welsh legends - that of Dwynwen patron saint of lovers.
The story of Dwynwen takes place in the fifth century. Born as one of 24 daughters to the Welsh prince Brychan Breichinog, Dwynwen was well known as the prettiest of the sisters. During an event hosted by her father, Dwynwen came to meet prince Maelon Dafodrill, the pair instantly fell in love, and legend tells that the prince made a proposal of marriage which she gladly accepted. Unfortunately her father had already chosen a husband for her and she was forbidden from ever seeing Maelon again. Devastated by her father's harsh attitude, Dwynwen prayed to God to make her forget her prince. That night as she slept, an angel came to Dwynwen, delivering to her a potion which would help her forget her lost love. The potion worked, but as a side effect Maelon was turned into a block of ice. Once again consumed with sorrow, Dwynwen prayed to God, and on this occasion was granted three wishes. With the first choice she wished for Maelon to be thawed out. With her second she wished that God would meet the hopes and dreams of all lovers, and finally with her third wish she asked that she be allowed never to marry. All three wishes came true and to show her thanks, Dwynwen devoted her life to God. Moving to a small island off the coast of Anglesey, she founded a convent, living her life as a hermit, becoming known as the patron saint of lovers for the sacrifices she had made. Pilgrimages were made to a Holy well on the island where it is said Dwynwen could predict the faithfulness of lovers by the movement of eels which lived within it. Following her death in 465AD, the island was named Llanddwyn, meaning The Church of Saint Dwynwen. The shrine of St .Dwynwen became so popular during Tudor times, that a new chapel was built on the site of the original chapel, funded by the offerings left by visitors. The remains can still be seen today. In Wales St.Dwynwens day is celebrated on January 25th.
Situated at the southern entrance of the Menai Straits, Ynys Llanddwyn has also played it's part in the islands maritime history. The Twr Bach beacon was first built to direct shipping safely along the Straits. The Twr Mawr lighthouse was then built nearby in 1845, designed to resemble one of the island's windmills, the lighthouse stood adjacent to a row of bungalows built to house the pilots who would guide ships into the stretch of water. In 1840 a lifeboat station was built on the island, which until it's removal in 1903 had saved the lives of 101 people.
Today Twr Bach is back in use, now fitted with a modern light. Twr Mawr although no longer in use has found fame as the setting for the recent Demi Moore film 'Half Light'. The pilot's cottages still stand in excellent repair, and are now used to house exhibitions of the local wildlife, and a fascinating insight into the island's past.
Nearby places of interest are Llanfairpwll and the Britannia bridge.
Visiting Ynys Llanddwyn? Click here for a map.