Set Sail in the Welsh Waters of Holyhead

Holyhead’s rich cultural history lies in its origins as a port for ship passengers bound for Dublin, so it’s little surprise that the destination retains strong links with sea life. Holyhead is nestled in the north west of Wales in the county of Anglesey. However, the town itself is actually located on Holy Island and connected to the main body of Anglesey via the Four Mile Bridge which was constructed in the 19th century.

There is evidence to suggest that people have been sailing from Holyhead to Ireland from as long ago as 4,000 years, so the tradition is certainly strong on the island. While this Welsh town remains small, it does boast sailing opportunities that make it popular with those hoping to enjoy a sailing holiday in the area and, with a ferry port that handles in excess of 2 million passengers a year, visitors are sure to find the option to suit no matter what kind of sailing holiday floats their boat.

A number of sailing clubs have made Holyhead their home, meaning that it’s a great area to sail with experienced professionals or simply rent a boat if you’re already a sailing whizz yourself. Berthing is also conveniently offered by Holyhead Marina while the Holyhead sailing club continues to expand its fleet of racing and cruising yachts for the enjoyment of locals and visitors to the area.

Holyhead also has a number of things to see and do on the island itself, including a Maritime Museum ideal for grounded sailing fans and the Breakwater Park where visitors will find the equipment used to build a marina as well as evidence of forts dating to the Iron Age, stone circles and burial mounds in the countryside behind it.

An option perfect if you’re recovering your land legs are the Heritage Trail walks that can be enjoyed on Holyhead. These trails take walkers along the coast, much of which has been declared Areas of Special Natural Beauty, with many Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and SSSI’s. Visitors to the town will also find superb cultural offerings at the Ucheldre Centre. Converted from old convent buildings, this community centre boasts an art gallery, performance space and pleasant café.

Any visitor taking a ferry from Holyhead will be sad to leave this charming town behind. But visitors will always be welcome to return to the history steeped island, and with so many local legends and myths to explore, visitors are sure to want to visit again and again.