For a little country, Wales boasts a lot of islands. Almost 100 of them are scattered along the coastline and they vary from large flat-lands like Anglesey, to tiny and very remote outcrops like Worms Head in Gower.

Over the centuries the islands of Wales have been shrouded in mystery and myth. Many of the smaller islands are associated with an almost magical and ethereal ambience, particularly by the mainlanders who can only stand and marvel from the shore at these tiny dots of land that are home to a huge variety of wild animals, plants, ancient buildings, lighthouses and sometimes, hardy humans!

Legendary Islands

Perhaps the island most associated with ancient history and mythology is Bardsey, which lies two miles off the Llyn’s western most Peninsula in north Wales. In Welsh it is named Ynys Enlli literally meaning “Island of currents” due to the powerful and often devastating tidal flows between the island and the mainland known as Bardsey Sound.

There are thought to be 20,000 saints buried on this little island, and Bardsey’s religious history dates back to the sixth century when Saint Cadfan built a remote monastery in 516. The island became home to persecuted Christians and monks who wanted, literally, to escape from the rest of the world. Perhaps they felt that Bardsey offered the chance to conduct their dedication to the Christian faith without interruption, judgement or distraction. Bardsey became such an important religious site, that by the tenth century three pilgrimages to Bardsey were deemed to be as valuable as one to Rome.

In 1979 the Bardsey Island Trust bought the land, and still cares for it today. It is possible to visit the island for a day trip, or for a short holiday in one of the small cottages; but be prepared for water from wells, chemical toilets and life without electricity, internet or phone signals – a real island retreat.

Holy Island, a short jump from the western coast of Anglesey (and now linked by road bridge) is another island renowned for its history and religious connections. It has long been the crossing points for boats between Wales and Ireland, and its very name is a great clue to its spiritual significance. The island is home to several collections of ancient burial sites and standing stones.

Another Anglesey island treasured for its historical significance is Llanddwyn, a small rocky outcrop on the beaches just off the South West coast. It is important in Welsh culture as it was once the home of Dwynwen, the Welsh saint of lovers.

Many different versions of the fable abound, which is one of the saddest tales from the Mabinogion stories, but Dwynwen is thought to have run to the island to escape from her father and 49 siblings who did not approve of the man she had fallen in love with. She lived on the island as a recluse and built a church, the ruins of which are still standing.

Nature Islands

Not only are Wales’ islands bursting with dramatic history, but many are also home to some of the country’s rarest plant and animal species, and are important havens for wildlife.

Grassholm is Wales’ most distant island, 7 miles away from the coastline of Pembrokeshire. This little island was once too featured in the tales of the Mabinogion, but it is now home to one of the most important RSPB sites in Britain.

The island is not accessible to visitors anymore, but every year hundreds of boat trips take tourists to spot one of the largest gannet populations in the world. During the spring and summer months, the island is taken over by nearly 40,000 breeding pairs; it’s little wonder that the island rocks take on a glowing white hue.

Also in Pembrokeshire is Ramsey Island, which is now entirely owned by the RSPB. It’s an important site for breeding choughs, razorbills, guillemots and other seabirds, and is one of the best places to spot a lazy grey seal when huge colonies flock here to give birth to pups in Autumn.

Despite its name, Puffin Island is sadly not home to many of the unmistakable little sea birds these days. In the nineteenth century there were thought to be almost 2,000 breeding pairs, one of the largest colonies in Britain, but some brown rats were accidentally let loose on the island which saw an end to the puffin population; although they are slowly returning since the rats were all but eradicated during the 1990’s.

Far from the madding Crowds

One of the biggest draws of island living is the remote and often isolating distance from the rest of the world; especially the often dizzying pace of today’s hectic technology fuelled pace world. Since the 1950’s, holidaymakers have been drawn to the ultimate peace and tranquillity of the cottages on Bardsey Island, and if a week with only seabirds for company sounds appealing then an old farm on Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire has recently been converted into accommodation for wildlife volunteers and guests.

In the early 1990’s one of north Wales’ remotest islands, St Tudwal’s East off the Llyn coast near Abersoch was bought by scriptwriter and author Carla Lane, and the lighthouse on neighbouring St Tudwal’s West is owned by outdoor explorer Bear Grylls; proof perhaps that an adventurous spirit and trailblazing attitude is a must for extreme island living.

But don’t worry if all that sounds too much. Perhaps the soul can be cleansed and spiritual balance restored with a day trip by boat to the ancient monasteries of Caldey Island in Pembrokeshire, one of Wales’ most popular islands for day trippers and tourists; so a slice of island life isn’t only for the most adventurous of voyagers among us.

Plan a trip

Find out more information on how to visit some of Wales’ best islands

• Bardsey Island – bardsey.org
• Ramsey Island – ramseyisland.co.uk
• Caldey Island – caldey-island.co.uk