The Village
The village of Clynnog Fawr lies on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, near Caernarfon in Gwynedd. ‘Clynnog’ means ’the place of the holly-trees’. The cottage lies next door to the large parish church of St Beuno, of which there is more information below.
More information on the village can be found here .
- Ty’r Celyn
- St Beuno
- Village store
- St Beuno’s Well
- Cromlech
- Beach
St Beuno
The church in the village was founded by St Beuno, who was descended from the princes of Powys. It is thought to have been founded in the early 7th century.
Originally it was a place of prayer, teaching, ministry and mission, acting as both monastery and college. It soon became a stopping place on the pilgrimage route to Bardsey Island (known as the ‘Island of 20,000 Saints’). As such St Beuno also became a place of pilgrimage, with the well shown on the map also thought to have healing powers.
The church that is on the site today was built in the 15th and 16th century, with the small chapel being thought to be located on the site of the original church. Among the objects of interest inside is a set of dog handling tongs. These are telescopic, with several sharp spikes at the business end. These were used in the days when dogs were permitted in churches and fights and other misdemeanours were common.
Village store
The village store (Londis) is directly across the road from Bodfasarn (the house on the main road that Ty’r Celyn is attached to). It provides essential groceries and other goods.
St Beuno’s well
The well was thought visitors to have healing powers. It is one of a number of wells dedicated to St Beuno across Wales. More detail can be found here .
Cromlech
The Cromlech is an ancient burial chamber. It can be accessed from the track that leads down to the beach as seen on the map. Just turn left as your reach a bend in the track and go straight on for a couple of fields, ensuring you re-close any gates you open. Always good to see at sunset.
Beach
Go out of the front door or through the yard gates onto the track past the cottage. Keep straight on and you will come to the beach. It is quite pebbly, but is good for a dog run and can be glorious at sunset. If you walk around to the right when the tide is out you will usually find a sandy area which is good for kids to play on.
