Ynys Llanddwyn

Ynys Llanddwyn is a tidal island off the coast of Anglesey, accessed from Newborough Beach and defined by sand dunes, rock outcrops, and two lighthouses along its edge. The landscape reveals how water and stone have worked together to shape this coastal formation over time.

The island was once home to a 5th-century monastery, later replaced by a church whose ruins remain visible today. These remains connect the earliest Christian history of Anglesey with centuries of religious life that unfolded here.

The island carries strong ties to Saint Dwynwen, a Welsh saint believed to have lived here, and her memory shapes how locals and visitors relate to this place. Walking across the land, you sense how deeply she remains woven into the identity of those who know this corner of Wales.

Check tide times before visiting, as rising water can cut off access to the island for several hours at a time. Early arrival and sturdy footwear help you navigate safely over wet and rocky ground.

The island earned recognition from the International Union of Geological Sciences for its rare rock formations dating back to the late Neoproterozoic and Cambrian periods. This scientific distinction makes it a remarkable place for anyone interested in how Earth's landscape developed.