Nefyn Beach

About the beach

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Nefyn Beach was much more than a holiday destination.

According to the Llŷn Maritime Museum, approximately 150 ships were built on Nefyn Beach between 1770 and 1860.

These included vessels used for fishing, transporting goods and coastal trading.

Imagine standing on the beach today, knowing that large wooden sailing vessels were once being constructed on the very same sands.

 

For centuries, herring fishing was one of Nefyn’s most important industries.

The fishermen became so well known that the town’s coat of arms features three herrings.

In 1810, there were approximately 40 fishing boats operating from Nefyn. The catches were salted and preserved, with fish transported to other markets.

The industry was so famous that fish caught elsewhere were sometimes marketed as Nefyn herrings.

Nefyn was once an administrative centre of the Princes of Gwynedd.

A survey in 1293 recorded 93 taxpayers, including merchants, an innkeeper, a goldsmith and other tradespeople.

The town also served travellers and pilgrims making their way towards Bardsey Island, an important religious destination.

Photos from our visits