Cardiff Excursions
Caernarfon Castle © gahdjun
Caernarfon
Situated in North Wales, across the Menai Strait from the Isle
of Anglesey, is Caernarfon, dominated by the walls of its
13th-century castle. It was here that, in 1969, Prince Charles'
investiture as Prince of Wales took place. It was a dramatic event
marked by pomp and ceremony, and had the strong symbolic impact of
strengthening Britain's dominion over Wales in this staunchly
nationalist district. Across the strait is Anglesey, which is
probably most noted for the town of
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndobwlllanty - siliogogogoch, which
has the longest place name in the United Kingdom. The name, when
translated into English, means 'The church of St. Mary in a hollow
of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St. Tysilio's church
by the red cave'. The island was the crucible for pre-Roman druidic
activity in Britain and many Neolithic ruins remain. Many people
rush through Anglesey, on their way to catch the Irish ferries at
Holyhead, and miss out on its spectacular coastal scenery of sandy
coves and rocky headlands.
Website: www.visitcaernarfon.com
