Holyhead, Wales- June 9

Last evening there was a pre-dinner entertainment- The Belfast Story featuring poems, stories, songs and dancing. Energetic presentation and perfect for the location and time.  Many of the dancers are performers in “Riverdance” and also “Lord of the Dance.”

We had a tasty dinner in the Compass Rose with a couple from Portland Oregon- Don and Jane. They have traveled a great deal, but this is their first Regent Cruise. After a brief conversation it was clear politics could not be the subject of conversation so we talked about travel locations we had enjoyed.

Holyhead, Wales

This morning we are docked in Holyhead, Wales- the largest town in the county of Isle of Anglesey. Despite being the largest town in the county, with a population of 11,431, it is neither the county town nor actually on the island of Anglesey- or so we learned today. Very confusing!

Holyhead is located on Holy Island, which has a 

Holyhead Marina

population of 13, 659 and was originally connected to Anglesey by Four Mile Bridge- cleverly named that because it was four miles long. In the 19^th century a local philanthropist funded the building of a larger causeway known locally as “The Cobb.”

The port is a busy ferry port with a number of ferry lines operating taking passengers to Dublin and northern England. There is archaeological evidence that people have been sailing between Holyhead and Ireland for 4,000 years.

The sky is cloudy but at least it isn’t raining…..YET! The temperature high is to be 54 degrees. We are just thin-blooded Floridians so that thought makes us both shiver. Jim has had a cough since last Friday so we are going to stay in and be warm for another day we think.

War Memorials in Holyhead

Although an integral part of the United Kingdom, Wales is not represented on the national flag, more popularly known as the Union Jack. The proud and ancient battle standard of the Welsh is The Red Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) and consists of a red dragon, passant (standing with one foot raised), on a green and white background. As with any ancient symbol, the appearance of the dragon has been adapted and changed over the years, and hence several different variations exist.

The current flag was officially adopted in 1959, and is based on an old royal badge used by British kings and queens since Tudor times. The red dragon itself has been associated with Wales for centuries, and as such, the flag is claimed to be the oldest national flag still in use. But why a dragon? The answer to that particular question is lost in history and myth.

Breakwater

Holyhead Breakwater is situated at the north-western end of Holyhead on the island Anglesey in North Wales. The Victorian structure which is 1.7 miles long, is the longest breakwater in the United Kingdom. The breakwater, which is accessible in good weather, has a promenade on top which leads out to the Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse. 

Lighthouse at the end of the Breakwater

Town Clock in Holyhead

In November 2014 concrete blocks were put at the entrance so ships could not pass. I guess that was for security reasons. People can still walk on the breakwater, but something I read said it had been a controversial decision because if an accident happened to a walker, emergency vehicles could not get out onto the breakwater. Security does have its price.

Everywhere  walked on the balcony or any place I touched I left salty foot or handprints. Been a great deal of water thrown up onto that surface. Yesterday Sarah tried to clean the door…what a tough job. For a few moments it looked great!

Actually by the time I finished writing and taking photos the sky was blue but the air is very chilly!  Ah! the life on the sea! Nothing like it.