Bardsey Island
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Bardsey Island (Welsh: Ynys Enlli) lies off the Lleyn peninsula, in Gwynedd, Wales. The island is the site of a monastery founded by Saint Cadfan in the sixth century, and of Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory. Its highest point is the summit of Mynydd Enlli.
Pilgrimage
The island became a place of pilgrimage, especially popular with pilgrims who would come to die and be buried on the isle, hence giving rise to the tradition that twenty thousand saints are buried on the island. Three pilgrimages to Bardsey were rated as equivalent to one pilgrimage to Rome. Saint Deiniol and Merlin are both said to buried on the island.
Attractions
Attractions on the island include a thirteenth century bell tower, several Celtic crosses, and a wealth of birds. Bardsey is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Occasional boats sail to the island from Pwllheli and Aberdaron.
External links
- Barsdey Island official web site (http://www.bardsey.org/english/bardsey/welcome.asp?pid=1)
- Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory (http://www.bbfo.org.uk/)