The Islands of Wales

Islands Surrounding Anglesey

Several islands are located near Anglesey or off its coast. In the Menai Strait, there is Gorad Goch Island, which can only be accessed by boat. On the southwest coast lies Cribinau with its famous “church in the sea”.

A King Arthur Connection

Also southwest of Anglesey is the Llyn Peninsula, off of which Bardsey Island is found. This “Island of twenty-thousand saints” is famous for its legendary claim for being King Arthur’s burial site.

Only an Island Sometimes

Llanddwyn Island, found on Anglesey’s west coast, is unique as it is not always considered an island. For the majority of the time, it is connected to the Welsh mainland; however during high tides this connection is flooded. On the eastern tip of Anglesey lies the uninhabited Puffin Island, which has notable wildlife populations.

Islands Near Pembrokeshire

There are several islands surrounding the county of Pembrokeshire in the southwest of Wales, such as Ramsey Island. After Anglesey and Holy Island, this is the third largest island in Wales, and is notable for its Grey Seal breeding colony.

Off the Pembrokeshire Coast

There is also Skomer Island off the Pembrokeshire coast that is known for its seabird population. In the south lies Caldey Island, which has a small village but its most famous building is the Celtic monastery named Caldey Abbey. The small tidal island called Gateholm attracts visitors with Romano-British hut circles and other remains.

Welsh Islands

Wales possesses many islands that have as much to offer as the Welsh mainland itself.