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ABERDARON AND THE WEST

Ynys Enlli/Bardsey Island

Enlli, "Island of 20,000 saints", is two miles off the tip of Llyn. The island is thought to have formed much further south than it's present location, as a volcano in the ocean, and it's pretty clear where about on the island the volcano is now!

Ynys Enlli is thought to mean "island of the tides", the sound, between the water between the island and the mainland is very treacherous. It was thought in the times of the Pilgrims that three journeys to Enlli equalled one to Rome.

Enlli was the end of the road for the pilgrims, who would walk along the northern coast of Llyn to Aberdaron, where they got boats and sailed over to the island if the weather was good enough. Aberdaron's St. Hywyn's church is thought to have been where pilgrims stayed in the village before heading over to Enlli.

The route that the pilgrims took to get to Enlli has now been opened and people now have the opportunity to follow in the pilgrims footsteps to get to Enlli. The walk starts at the ancient church in Clynnog Fawr, and ends on Enlli. More info...

Only a handful of people live on Bardsey now, the island is looked after by the Bardsey Island Trust. The RSPB observes the birds that flock onto the island during the migration periods and many different types of bird have been recorded visiting the island.

People can visit Bardsey by boat and stay for a few hours or a few days, depending on whether you are looking for a holiday or a day out. Trips are run from Porth Meudwy near Aberdaron, and you can get tickets from the Bardsey shop in Aberdaron village centre, as well as the tourist information office in Pwllheli.

Remember that if you do visit Bardsey, please do not leave any litter and be respectful of the special environment that you are in, and hopefully Bardsey will be as it is now in years to come for the next generation to experience.