Bardsey Island

Bardsey Island (Welsh: Ynys Enlli) is 1.9 miles (3.1 km) off Aberdaron, on the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. To the south the island is the lighthouse, visible from most of the North Wales coast. The island has been an important religious site since Saint Cadfan built a monastery here in 516 and so became a major centre of pilgrimage. A bird observatory was established in 1953. There are regular boat trips to and from the island.

Ynys Enlli, or Bardsey Island as it is called in English.

Understand

Welsh is spoken by 74% of the inhabitants of the nearest village of Aberdaron, which is on the Wales Coast Path.

Get in

The only way to get to the island is by boat.

• Barsey Boat Trips. £45. (updated May 2023)

Get around

There are no cars on Bardsey. You may bump into a tractor if you're lucky; otherwise, the only way to get around the 1.79 km2 island is on foot.

See

• 1 Bardsey Lighthouse. (updated Oct 2016)

Eat

• Bardsey Farm, Tŷ Pellaf, bardseyjo@gmail.com. fresh food suppliers available in summer, for example salad, potatoes and eggs. Tea and coffee is served at the Farm between 11am and 1pm. (updated Nov 2016)

Sleep

There are a number of cottages on Enlli which are rented out by the owners of the island: the non-profit Bardsey Island Trust.

• Cottages, ☏ +44 8458 11 22 33. 9 self-catering houses, 3 detached former farmhouses,3 semi-detached former farmhouses and one whitewashed traditional croglofft cottage as well as a converted stable. 

Respect

Most visitors come here for some peace and quiet and to study the fascinating wildlife.

Stay safe

For Emergencies call 999 for the Police.

Go next

• Aberdaron