Sacred & Spiritual

Bardsey is said to be the resting place of 20,000 saints, who share this beautiful island with migratory birds, puffins and grey seals who bask on rocks. Pilgrims have travelled here since the 6th century, when Saint Cadfan established Bardsey’s monastery. The island has been a literary retreat and inspiration for many writers and artists including: novelist and musician Fflur Dafydd (b. 1978), whose novel Twenty Thousand Saints is set here; poet and visual artist Brenda Chamberlain; poet Christine Evans; writer Jon Gower; and poet RS Thomas, who was a keen bird watcher here. In 1953, poet and Bardsey teacher Dilys Cadwaladr (1902-1979) became the first woman to win the National Eisteddfod Crown for her poem Y Llen. A National Nature Reserve tenanted by the RSPB, you can book a day trip or rent a holiday cottage. Keep an eye out for dolphins when you make the crossing.

Video - copyright Digital Literary Atlas of Wales.