With 715 square km Mona is just a little bigger than the Isle of Man; and therefore it's the biggest island of Wales and England. Its English name Anglesey means either "Island of the Angels" or "Fjord" (derived from the ancient Nordic word "ongull"). The Roman writer Tacitus (ca. 55-120 AD) called the island "Mona" and this is also the origin of its Welsh name "Ynys Môn".
Anglesey's history is rich and diverse: the island has been a centre of the Druids before the Roman invasion, between the 7th and 13th century it was a stronghold of the Princes of Gwynedd (Aberffraw) and between 850-1050 AD objective of the Vikings.
The Isle of Anglesey today also still is a stronhold of the Welsh language which is spoken by approximately 60% of its residences, and for many, it is their 1st language.
The island has already been relatively populous in the middle of the Stone Age due to its convenient position in the Irish Sea. At this time travelling by boat was much more faster and safer than journeying ashore.
The 4000 years old, neolithic burial mound of Bryn Celli Ddu can be found North of Brynsiencyn, at the A4080. The passage grave can be entered and inside you will find a standing stone. There is also one stone outside the grave and the mound is surrounded by a stone circle (see my "things to do" tips for additional info).
The Menai Strait is a narrow stretch of shallow tidal water which separates the island of Anglesey from the mainland of Wales. In places the strait narrows to only 200 metres.
The picture shows Afon Menai as seen from the wall-walk of Beaumaris Castle.
- Pros:Rich history, nice beaches, varied and beautiful
- Cons:Moody weather
- In a nutshell:Anglesey does have a personality all of its own!
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Ancient and historic sites
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Sheltered in the lee of Snowdonia, Anglesey is the only area of fertile and accessible land in a region of high and... more travel advice
Bryn Celli Ddu (Part II)
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The burial chamber itself can be entered from the North/ East by a narrow passage which is divided by 2 tall portal... more travel advice
Bryn Celli Ddu
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Bryn Celli Ddu is probably the best-known prehistoric monument on Anglesey, and is one of the most evocative... more travel advice
Trefignath Burial Chamber
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(7)
This Neolithic tomb was excavated in 1977-79, and was refastened and laid out for public display. 3 structural phases... more travel advice
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Comments (2)
Wonderfully detailed and photographed tips. If only all VT pages were this good. Keep up the good work.
Excellent presentation.Amlwch seems interesting. Regards,Ketan.
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