Saint Tudwal's Islands
Saint Tudwal's Islands are a small archipelago lying south of Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, at the western end of Tremadog Bay. They were referred to as the Studwells in the early 19th century. The name of the islands derives from their traditional identification as the site of a hermitage used by Saint Tudwal during the 6th century. They are about east of the southern tip of the Llŷn Peninsula.
There are two main islands: Saint Tudwal's Island West and Saint Tudwal's Island East, plus the Carreg y Trai rocks.
The islands are part of the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are known for their beaches and wildlife, having a variety of wild birds including razorbills, guillemots and choughs, and being a breeding site for grey seals. They are also popular for water sports. The western island houses the St Tudwal’s Lighthouse, and the eastern has the remains of a priory. The western island reaches 144 feet and is the higher of the two.
Saint Tudwal's Island East
Saint Tudwal's Island East is a grass covered, kidney-shaped island, about in length and in width. It was owned by author Carla Lane until her death in May 2016.The highest point on the island is above sea level. It is located just over off the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd. The nearest settlement is Machroes. Small ships sail from the nearby town of Abersoch to take passengers to view the wildlife. The island is believed to be the original hermitage of Saint Tudwal, which is presumably where its name comes from. The remains of a priory, referred to in the 1291 tax rolls, are on its eastern side.