Arts and crafts in Isle of Anglesey

is in Gwynedd. It has a population of around 70,000 and covers approximately 71,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Gwynedd

The Isle of Anglesey County is made up of a group of islands off the Gwynedd coast, the largest of which are the island of Anglesey (Ynys Mon in Welsh) and Holy Island (Ynys Gybi in Welsh). Most of the local population can speak Welsh and the islands attract millions of visitors each year, with tourism and agriculture dominating the economy. There is evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times, including megalithic monuments and the druids were an important part of the areas Celtic culture. Over the centuries following the Roman occupation, the islands were landed on by the Irish, Vikings, Saxons and Normans until they fell to the English during the thirteenth century. Located on Holy Island, the largest town in the county is Holyhead, a busy port town at the centre of which are the remains of Caer Gybi, a Roman fort dating from the fourth century. Also located on Holy Island, the counties main arts venue is the Ucheldre Centre, which runs performing arts events including music, dance, theatre and film, as well as hosting exhibitions of work by local and international artists and running a range of workshops.

Anglesey is the larger of the islands and is separated from the Welsh mainland by the Menai Strait, which is spanned by the Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge. The county town is Llangefni, which is home to Oriel Ynys Mon, a museum and art gallery where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Anglesey and see exhibitions of art works, including paintings by the artist Kyffin Williams. The picturesque Anglesey coastline is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with numerous sandy beaches and draws people who enjoy outdoor activities including walking, fishing, diving, sailing and wind surfing. Overlooking the Menai Strait, Plas Newydd is a country house, which has finely furnished and decorated interiors and is set among beautiful gardens. Other attractions include the South Stack Lighthouse, which stands on the small island of South Stack (Ynys Lawd in Welsh) near Holyhead and on Anglesey the restored eighteenth century windmill Melin Llynnon and the medieval Beaumaris castle.