Further information on this walk

Selected sites

• The Skinner Monument dominates the harbour skyline and a visit up to the obelisk provides panoramic views over the harbour and town. Dedicated to a Capt. John Skinner who, though born in the USA in 1760, fought for the Royal Navy and lived in Holyhead.
• The Breakwater opened in 1873, and at 2.75km long is still the longest in the UK. 1,300 men were employed in its construction, and the nearby quarry used to extract the rock is now a country park.
• Celtic Gateway Bridge is a stainless steel foot- and cycle-bridge built in the futuristic architectural style. Spanning 160m it opened in 2006 and connects the town centre with the railway station and ferry terminal.
• Market Hall is situated in the heart of the town centre. Built 1855, it was commissioned by the local landowner and politician William Owen Stanley. It’s been used as a market, law court, military barracks, library, and a boxing venue.
• Built within the ruins of a Roman Fort is the attractive 13th century St Cybi’s Church. The town’s Welsh name Caergybi means Cybi’s Fort. Founded in 540AD by St Cybi, a cousin of St David, the church was sacked by Vikings in the 10th century, and damaged again by the invading forces of England’s Henry IV in 1405. Also within the grounds is The Chapel of the Grave, which is reputed to be the resting place of 6th century Irish warrior and giant, Serigi.
• Now partly obscured and looking a little forlorn, the George IV Arch over on Salt Island was named to commemorate the King’s visit to the town in 1821, but was built in 1824 to mark the northern end of Thomas Telford’s mighty A5 road linking London to Holyhead. London’s Marble Arch marks its southern terminus.
• The Ucheldre Centre is a multi-purpose community space. Formerly, the chapel building of Holyhead’s Bon Sauveur order of nuns convent, it’s now an art gallery, cinema, events venue and boasts an amphitheatre in the grounds.
• Holyhead Maritime Museum is home to countless models, paintings, photos and shipping artefacts. The 1858 building is the town’s former lifeboat station and is one of the oldest in Wales.
• The building near the war memorial is the former Eagle and Child Inn built in 1770. It was the starting point for travellers making the 48-hour journey aboard Royal Mail coaches to London.