Anglesey is an island that is steeped in history, having been occupied by an eclectic range of civilizations over the past 7,000 years. From the early hunter gatherers of the Mesolithic period, through to the Iron Age Druids and onto modern times, the island has had its fair share of contrasting cultures. 

Dating back to 4th century BC, The Druids are considered by many to be the most fascinating of these cultures on account of there being no historic written evidence about their era created by their own hand. This is due to their religious beliefs and means that we instead have to rely on secondary sources of information from the likes of the Romans who eventually brought about the Druids’ downfall. 

What we do have however, are a number of Anglesey Druid sites which provide plenty of clues as to their way of life, beliefs and mysterious powers. So if you have an interest in history and want to learn more about the Druids, here are some of the Anglesey Druid sites that are well worth visiting the next time you are staying at one of our luxury holiday parks..

Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber (Llanddaniel Fab)

Translated as “the mound in the grove”, Bryn Celli Ddu is a prehistoric burial chamber and generally considered to be one of the finest examples of passage tombs remaining in Britain. 

Passage tombs were common during the Neolithic period. These are usually made up of one or more burial chambers which are covered in Earth and have narrow passageways made out of stone leading to them. This matches the description of Bryn Celli Ddu which is believed to have been constructed around 4,000 BC. 

There have been countless studies of the site completed over the years, some of which have pointed to ulterior uses other than just for burial purposes. Back in 1906, Astronomer Sir Norman Lockyer hypothesised that Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber was linked to the summer solstice as sunlight enters the inner chamber on the longest day of the year. Despite initial scepticism, this was later backed up by Freemasonry experts Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas who claimed in 1997 that the year round alignments would have allowed the site to be used as an agricultural calendar. 

The stones which make astronomical readings possible are believed to have been added at a much later date than the original burial chamber, in roughly 3,000 BC. This shows how the site has served multiple important purposes for different cultures in Anglesey over the years. 

Y Werthyr Hill Fort (Y Werthyr)

Situated on the north coast of the Island, Y Werthyr Hill Fort was discovered as recently as 2006 during an aerial survey. It is believed to date back to the iron age period at a time when Anglesey was the centre of the Druid priesthood in Britain.  

Sadly, there isn’t much left to see at the site for visitors but the aerial study revealed that it once consisted of a small number of pentangular or polygonal enclosures. It is believed that the structures may have been used for defensive purposes and as a symbol of power to any would-be invaders. Sadly, this wasn’t enough to repel the Romans.

In addition to its military role, it is likely that Y Werthyr Hill Fort may have also served as a centre for trade and culture, much like town centres in the modern day. It would certainly have been a sight to behold during its heyday. 

Anglesey Druids Way & Caer Y Tawr (Holyhead Mountain)

We have already mentioned how the Druid civilization was brought to an end by the invading Roman forces. A visitor attraction which symbolises this massacre is The Anglesey Druids Way; a route which outlines the journey the Romans took prior to their final fateful confrontation with the Druids. 

The Anglesey Druids Way covers 80 miles and took the Roman army 7 days to complete as they traversed from the Roman stronghold at Caernarfon Fort all the way through to Caer Y Tawr, another Druid hill fort near modern day Holyhead which was generally considered to be the holiest place in prehistoric Druidic culture.

Tourists can now visit the remains of Caer Y Tawr which was strategically positioned near the summit of Holyhead mountain so as to provide views of the surrounding region. At the time, Caer Y Tawr is thought to have been a massive structure spanning some 17 acres, further underlining the incredible achievement of the Roman forces.

Sadly, not much of the structure remains, but tourists are able to make out the rampart walls which still stand roughly 10 ft in height and 14 ft in width. This is in addition to the remains of the walls’ original walkways and funnelled entrances. Parking is available at the nearby Breakwater Country Park, but this is still a decent walk away from this historic Anglesey druid site. 

Din Lligwy (Moelfre)

Although not technically an Anglesey druid site, we’d also highly recommend paying a visit to Din Lligwy; an ancient village constructed by the Romans near modern day Moelfre on the east coast of the island.

Excavations in the region, which spans an area no more than a quarter the size of a football pitch, have unearthed pot shards, coins and glass which dated back to roughly the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D. 

Unlike other ancient Anglesey sites on this list, there are still plenty of remains above ground here too, with well preserved stone huts and roundhouses, in addition to the outline of rectangular barns and workshops. It’s well worth a visit for any history buffs holidaying on the island.