Sacred & Spiritual
...Pagans & Pilgrimages
Saint Dwynwen (d. c. 460 AD) is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Iolo Morganwg (1747-1826) recounts the legend where Dwynwen, daughter of Saint Brychan, fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill but was heartbroken when he broke off their engagement. In his fury, God turned Dafodrill into ice and granted Dwynwen three wishes. She chose to: thaw Dafodrill; be able to hear the prayers of unrequited lovers; and live out her life as a hermit on Llanddwyn Island. This magical island is one of the most wildly romantic spots in Wales. Walk across the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve dunes in the footsteps of pilgrims seeking help with affairs of the heart. You’ll encounter the ruins and crosses of St Dwynwen’s Church, where the fish in its holy well foretold lovers’ destinies. Dwynwen inspired poetry by Dafydd Trefor and Dafydd ap Gwilym, and is honoured every 25th January.
Llanddwyn Island
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- Region : North West Wales
- Grid Ref : SH 38908 63021
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Saint Dwynwen (d. c. 460 AD) is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Iolo Morganwg (1747-1826) recounts the legend where Dwynwen, daughter of Saint Brychan, fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill but was heartbroken when he broke off their engagement. In his fury, God turned Dafodrill into ice and granted Dwynwen three wishes. She chose to: thaw Dafodrill; be able to hear the prayers of unrequited lovers; and live out her life as a hermit on Llanddwyn Island. This magical island is one of the most wildly romantic spots in Wales. Walk across the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve dunes in the footsteps of pilgrims seeking help with affairs of the heart. You’ll encounter the ruins and crosses of St Dwynwen’s Church, where the fish in its holy well foretold lovers’ destinies. Dwynwen inspired poetry by Dafydd Trefor and Dafydd ap Gwilym, and is honoured every 25th January.
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