South Stack Lighthouse
Ynys Lawd
A white lighthouse on a lone rock off the western tip of Holy Island. Reaching it requires about 400 steps down the cliff and across a footbridge. The sea cliffs are an RSPB seabird reserve.
South Stack Lighthouse was built in 1809 on a small rocky islet off the western tip of Holy Island, separated from the main island by the sea. Visitors must descend about 400 steps down the cliff and then cross a small bridge to reach it. At the cliff top, the RSPB South Stack reserve has a bird-watching tower, Ellin’s Tower, and a café. In spring and summer you can see puffins, guillemots, razorbills and choughs. On clear days you can also see the Irish mountains in the distance. Tours of the lighthouse interior are seasonal and have often been suspended in recent years for maintenance, so check official announcements. Viewing from the cliff top is free. The lighthouse is about 5 km from Holyhead. There is a car park for those who drive, and visitors should take care on the steps in strong winds.
Opening hours
Clifftop open all day; lighthouse visits seasonal
Nearby sights
- Holyhead Mountain
- Holyhead Breakwater Country Park
- Trearddur Bay
- Rhosneigr
- Barclodiad y Gawres
- St Cwyfan's Church
- Cemaes Bay
- Llanddwyn Island