Most visitors see Isle of Anglesey, which is a stronghold of the Welsh language, only when taking a ferry to Dun Laoghaire, Ireland.
Try to spend a day driving completely around it, stopping to visit Beaumaris Castle, the Museum of Childhood Memories (well worth a visit) and the various bays. The castle, built by Edward I in the 13th century, is striking because of the placement of its staggered gateways, its spectacular seaside site and its cunningly designed defenses. Be sure to walk the outer walls.
Near Llanfair PG, overlooking the Menai Straits, is Plas Newydd, an 18th-century mansion owned by the National Trust. Be aware that the circle road around the island is narrow and rural—no one can do it quickly, so don't start unless you have the better part of a day to finish. Isle of Anglesey is 200 mi/322 km northwest of Cardiff.
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