Ynys Llanddwyn

Ynys Llanddwyn Island old lighthouse with Snowdonia in background

Ynys Llanddwyn or Llanddwyn Island is a small tidal island off the west coast of Anglesey, North Wales. The nearest town is Newborough.

Geology and geography

The island is of geological interest with pillow lava, jasper formations and aeolian sand deposits.

The island forms part of the National Nature Reserve of Newborough Warren which includes the extensive and floristically rich sand dune system.

Llanddwyn Island is a tidal island; it remains attached to the mainland at all but the highest tides. It provides views of Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula.

Saint Dwynwen

The island is very rich in legends, and in particular the association with Dwynwen. The name Llanddwyn means "The church of St. Dwynwen". Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, making her the Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine. Her Saint's day is 25 January and is often celebrated by the Welsh with cards and flowers. The remains of St Dwynwen's Church can be found.

Footpaths

There are more than 10 miles of footpaths crossing Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Warren, including the Anglesey Coastal Path, and it is a very popular place to visit. The island provides a worth-while goal after the mile-long walk along the beach from the nearest car park. Llanddwyn Island, with the neighbouring beach, has been awarded Blue Flag beach status in recognition of the cleanliness of the sea and the beaches.

Lighthouse

The Llanddwyn Island Lighthouse marks the western entrance to the Menai Strait.

Time line

• 1873 Construction of lighthouse on Ynys Llanddwyn.
• 1903 Closure of the lifeboat station on Ynys Llanddwyn.
• 1911 RSPB Cymru opens in Llanddwyn.Bird charity born 100 years ago at Llanddwyn Island
• 3 December 1920 - Five crew members from the Rhoscolyn lifeboat are lost off Llanddwyn, Anglesey.

Llanddwyn Island in film

• In 2004, Llanddwyn Island was used as a filming location in Demi Moore's romantic thriller Half Light. Tŵr Mawr was used as a lighthouse which plays a key role in the film. CGI was used to create the effect of a real light on top of the lighthouse.
• Bryn Terfel filmed his video for Cavatina (arranged by Chris Hazell) on Llanddwyn Island "a very beautiful romantic place" (Bryn on BBC Breakfast)
• In 2009, a scene for the Hollywood blockbuster Clash of the Titans was filmed at Llanddwyn.

Photos of Llanddwyn

• ThelargelighthouseandcrossatLlanddwyn.jpg

  The large lighthouse and cross at Llanddwyn.

• Stdwynwen'sChurchLlanddwyn.JPG

  St Dwynwen's Church, Llanddwyn

• PilotscottagesonLlanddwyn.jpg

  Pilots' cottages on Llanddwyn

• LlanddwynIsland1.JPG

  Beach on Llanddwyn Island

• LlanddwynIsland2.JPG

  Beach on Llanddwyn Island

• LlanddwynIsland3.JPG

  View towards the mainland from Llanddwyn Island

• Lllanddwyn Island.jpg

  Afternoon light

References

Hague, D., B., Lighthouses of Wales Their Architecture and Archaeology (Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, edited by Hughes, S., 1994) ISBN 1-871184-08-8

External links

• Life on Llanddwyn
• Half Light Filming Locations
• Anglesey History History of Llanddwyn Island.
• Llanddwyn by Janet Wood
• A walk on Llanddwyn and a few photos
• Bird charity born 100 years ago at Llanddwyn Island
• Aerial Video of Llanddwyn Island