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Porth Ceiriad Beach. Abersoch. North Wales

The Llŷn Peninsula (Welsh: Penrhyn Llŷn or Pen Llŷn, Welsh pronunciation extends 30 miles (48 km) into the Irish Sea from north west Wales, south west of the Isle of Anglesey. It is part of the modern county and historic region of Gwynedd. The name is thought to be of Irish origin, and to have the same root – Laigin (Laighin) in Irish – as the word Leinster. The name Llŷn is also sometimes spelled Lleyn, a spelling which is less common today than in the past and is generally considered to be an anglicisation which ignores the phonetic values of Welsh. Much of the eastern part of the peninsula, around Criccieth, is technically part of Eifionydd rather than Llŷn, although the modern boundaries have become somewhat vague.

Photograph of Abersoch Inner Harbour

Llŷn is notable for its large number of protected sites, including a National Nature Reserve at Cors Geirch, a National Heritage Coastline and a European Marine Special Area of Conservation, and 20 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Llŷn Coastal Path, a long distance footpath, enables walkers to fully explore both coasts of the peninsula. The Welsh Language and Heritage Centre of Nant Gwrtheyrn is situated on the north coast. Much of the coastline and the ex-volcanic hills are part of the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, confirming the peninsula as one of the most scientifically important in both Wales and Britain. In 1984 there was an earthquake beneath the peninsula, which measured 5.4 on the Richter Scale and was felt in many parts of Ireland and western Britain.

Phorograph of Aberdaron were the pilgrimes used to rest overnight prior to their onward journey to Bardsey Island.

Historically, the peninsula was used by pilgrims en route to Bardsey Island (Welsh: Ynys Enlli), and its relative isolation has helped to conserve the Welsh language and culture, for which the locality is now famous. This perceived remoteness from urban life has lent the area an unspoilt image which has made Llŷn a popular destination for both tourists and holiday home owners. Holiday homes remain a bone of contention among locals, many of whom are forced out of the housing market by incomers. From the 1970s to the 1990s, a shadowy group known as Meibion Glyndŵr claimed responsibility for several hundred arson attacks on holiday homes using incendiary devices. Some of these attacks took place in Llŷn.