Welcome to Ynys Enlli

A group of seals rest on partially submerged rocks in clear blue water, viewed from above—a tranquil scene that echoes the natural beauty found throughout Bardsey Island history.

A small Welsh island filled with culture, history, wildlife and natural beauty

Ynys Enlli lies 3km from the very tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, north Wales. Considered to be the ‘island in the tides’, it is surrounded by strong currents which whip around the coastline and coves of the island. Mynydd Enlli – the ‘mountain’ – stands at 167m high, covered in bright pink thrift, purple heather, and rare golden lichens to those eagle-eyed. The Mynydd protects the island from the east, and hides the mainland from view from most of the island, making it feel completely isolated.

Enlli is home to a working farm, thriving lobster and crab fishery, a Bird Observatory and some spectacular wildlife including over 200 Atlantic grey seals, a growing population of Manx shearwaters and the much loved red-billed chough.

A place of pilgrimage since the 6th century, people today can enjoy Enlli in one of 9 Grade II listed buildings or lofts which can accommodate individuals, families and larger groups

Life on the island

Winter Storm Damage

Mari Huws Jones, Warden on Enlli reflects on the most recent storm damage from Storm Claudia

Volunteering on Enlli

Reflections: a month living and volunteering on Enlli, by Freya Canham

Basket-making Residential Course

“Weave and breathe” – A week of basketmaking with Jo Porter
Encil Greadigol / Creative retreats Ynys Enlli 2026

Creative Retreats 2026

Ynys Enlli is offering priority booking for creative retreats for the 2026 season.
Emyr in a bee suit

The life of an Enlli Warden

There are patterns to life here, some as obvious as the pattern of the ebb and flow of the tides, others only now manifesting themselves in the middle of our fifth winter.

Women's Dark Sky Retreat - April 22-25 2026

The perfect introduction to Enlli’s Dark Sky Sanctuary

This is for you if you:

  • Want to experience Ynys Enlli and have either never been before or want to return and meet new people
  • Want to experience the magic of the dark night sky in a safe and supportive environment
  • Get to know other women with similar interests
  • Get expert hints and tips on how to get the most from your photographic equipment

 

More information

Proud to be the first Dark Sky Sanctuary in Europe

Read more
International Dark-sky Association

Plan your visit

The boat to Bardsey crosses from Porth Meudwy, a small but active local fishing cove near Aberdaron. Parking is available at the National Trust car park at the top of the track down to Porth Meudwy. Follow LL53 8DA for directions to the car park. Please be aware there are no toilet facilities at this car park or in Porth Meudwy. We recommend calling into Aberdaron on your way through where there are toilet facilities and some excellent cafe’s and bakeries.

If you’re travelling by bus it is possible to walk to Porth Meudwy from Aberdaron along the coast path, which takes roughly 30 minutes.

Raw sheep fleece and wool hang on a wooden wall next to aprons, with a basket of wool on the floor below—a simple scene capturing life on Enlli.

Dyed wool - Elin Gruffudd

A tall pink foxglove flower grows on a grassy, rocky hill overlooking the waters near Ynys Enlli and distant hills under a clear sky.

Foxgloves - Elin Gruffudd

A distant lighthouse stands on a grassy hill under a clear sky, with tall, blurred grass in the foreground, evoking the serene isolation of Ynys Enlli.

Lighthouse - Elin Gruffudd

View through a window showing a distant lighthouse by the sea—managed by the Bardsey Island Trust—with grassy land and a house in the foreground under a clear sky.

View from Tŷ Nesaf - Elin Gruffudd