Open Doors - St. Ceinwen's Church, Llangeinwen

As you travel west from the village of Dwyran, just as the road bends sharply before making its way in a straight line towards Newborough, you will see St. Ceinwen’s church nestling between the trees.

Llangeinwen is considered to be unique in Ynys Môn since it was established, probably in the 9th century, perhaps as early as the 6th century, as a result of familial influence rather than that of class or community. Ceinwen and Dwynwen established St. Ceinwen’s church, as well as the one whose famous ruins can be seen on Llanddwyn Island nearby. The two churches were consecrated to their two founders, an unusual step since the only feminine saints honoured in the Welsh Calendar are Biblical ones. 

The present church building at Llangeinwen has its origins in the 12th century and has been in constant use since then. The north and south church walls belong to this period, while those of the chancel have their origins in the middle ages. The simple quadrangular shape, characteristic of modern church buildings on Ynys Môn, underwent many changes in the 19th century when a north chapel and tower were added. The gravestones, dating from the 9th and 11th centuries, have been built into the buttresses. The decorated stone font dates from the 13th century.

The church was restored in 1928 when the Victorian gallery was dismantled in the west wall. On removing the plaster from the ceiling, roof beams from the early middle ages were exposed.

Address - St. Ceinwen's Church, Llangeinwen (Dwyran), Anglesey, LL61 6RD.
SH 439658

The church is situated on a sharp bend on the A4080 just outside Dwyran.

Wheelchair access is available.

The church will be open and stewarded on Saturday 14 September between 11am and 4pm.