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CS Holyhead Car Hire
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Holyhead is a beautiful, well-connected town in North Wales, most known for it being a major Irish port with connections across the water. The town has existed since at least the 14th century, and has an interesting history regarding its name. The Romans had named it 'Sacrum Promentarium', which translates exactly to Holyhead. It is believed that the name originally referred to the mountain which dominates this part of Anglesey. The town's name is 'Holyhead' in English, but 'Caergybi' in Welsh! Yes the two names look and sound significantly different, as is the case with many coastal parts of Wales, with the Welsh & English names being worlds apart! The Welsh word 'Caergybi' translates to 'Cybi's fort', and if you don't want to stand out as a tourist, make sure you learn the correct pronunciation of "Holyhead", which is in fact pronounced as, "Holly-head"!
There's a range of places where visitors can stay and Holyhead is often used as an overnight stop on the way to, or from, holidaying in Ireland or as a centre for touring the island of Anglesey itself. Holyhead's focus may be around its port and serving Ireland, however visitors will be pleasantly surprised to see that there are a number of interesting attractions in the Town, as well as a bustling shopping centre, excellent fishing, golfing and, of course, sailing facilities. Merge these activities with the wonderful scenery, walks and beaches, and you can easily wind down, and relax for a few days.
Things to do in Holyhead
Holyhead Town Centre
The town centre of Holyhead offers a number of good places to eat, a theatre and a cinema. The high street has received many great reviews from visitors who have stated that shopping is incredibly fun here due to the range of small boutiques and shops that sell unique items and handmade objects. Some of the quirky shops worth paying a visit to are: Shabby Cottage, The Chocolate Box, The Other Side Head Shop, Eden Emporium, and Summit to Sea.
Maritime Museum
This museum is a fascinating experience for the whole family. Visitors are taken back in time, to learn more about the 100 or so shipwrecks that had taken place in the vicinity, the oldest lifeboat station in Wales (circa. 1858), and learn about the overall history of maritime. You also get the opportunity to examine detailed models of ships that sailed the Irish Sea over 100 years ago, and compare them to the modern technically advanced vessels of today. Plus, you'll be educated all about local shipwrecks and the life boatmen who saved so many lives.
South Stack Lighthouse
This fabulous and picturesque lighthouse lies on the north-west side of Holyhead. This historic site is located on a small island which you can visit by descending 400 steps down the steep mainland cliffs. It gives you quite the thrill and sense of adventure if you enjoy the sea, and fascinating geology of the surrounding cliffs. Visitors are able to tour the former lighthouse engine room, before climbing all the way to the top of the lighthouse. The tours are available depending on weather which is why make sure you check their website beforehand to avoid disappointment. If you're a keen bird watcher, then South Stack is a wonderful place for you to sit back and observe thousands of breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins.
Barclodiad y Gawres
If you're a history buff then paying a visit to the burial chambers at this monument, which is known as a decorated Cruciform Passage Grave is well worth your time. It's also known as "The Giantess's Apronful", and its location in Anglesey makes it very unusual. The site is of one of the most powerful and charismatic Welsh mediaeval princes, and is less than an hour's drive from Holyhead.
The Church in the Sea (St Cwfyfan's Church)
A ten minutes further drive from Barclodiad y Gawres, will have you arrive at 'St Cwyfan’s church'. This is another site for the history buffs, as this church dates back to the 12th century, and is known by many as the "little church in the sea". St Cwyfan's church (Eglwys Cwyfan in Welsh), really is such an aesthetically pleasing sight to see, as it's an isolated church located on an island surrounded by water. The church had begun its life on land situated on a peninsula between Porth China and Porth Cwyfan. However, after centuries of gradual erosion, the church now sits stranded in a singular bay and can only be accessed during low tide. It has become one of the most visited sites on the Isle of Anglesey, due to the church's history, views, and not so easy access making it an exciting and thrilling visit!
Eating Out in Holyhead
Holyhead has a variety of typical British pubs, cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in burgers, sausages & chips and of course, seafood!
If you want to tuck into a hearty breakfast, grab a quick snack or just sip on a coffee whilst soaking in the beautiful views of a sandy beach and the sea waters lapping up the shores, then look no further than "Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias". This restaurant has a big open space and open kitchen, creating a fun, informal mood where you can watch the chefs turn simple, local, seasonal ingredients into delicious bistro-style food. Menus are served all day, and dining here gives you the opportunity to watch the sun go down over the beach with your family, or listen to the sound of the ocean as you work away. You're sure to have a good time, with good people and great food at this restaurant.
The Bay Restaurant has an almost 5-star rating and is open for both lunch and dinner. The stunning bay-side setting of The Trearddur Bay Hotel is a wonderful place to relax and unwind with friends or family. There are beautiful lawns surrounding the superb hotel, leading down to a glorious Blue Flag beach. Get comfortable in the dining room that has its own large bar stocked with a wide range of continental beers, cask ales, wines and spirits as well as a full range of Roma espresso coffees. The menu takes full advantage of the local's best, regional and seasonal ingredients, using them in freshly prepared classic dishes presented in an appetising style.
If you fancy something a bit more cheap and cheerful, then head over to 'The Gaerwen Arms' pub, where you can snuggle up on the sofas, feel at home and comfortable with their homely decor, and tuck into typical pub food ranging from soups and salads, to pasta dishes, meats and burgers.
Transport in Holyhead
As well as a busy port, the town also has a busy railway station. Public buses are plenty around the town with Arriva Bus being a popular service. Holyhead is the end of the North Wales Coast Line that runs from Crewe in Cheshire, England. There are also direct trains to towns and cities across the North Wales coast such as Bangor, Prestatyn and Rhyl as well as longer distance trains to Chester, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Manchester, Hereford and Cardiff.