About

The town of Penmaenmawr lies on the North Wales coast between Conwy and Llanfairfechan and has a population of around 4,350. It is named after Penmaenmawr mountain, which stands above the sea immediately west of the town. Much of its formerly rounded top (with an old hill-fort) has been quarried away, leaving the present-day lower flat top. The name Penmaenmawr is Welsh for 'Head of the Great Stone' or 'Great Headland of Stone' .

The town grew in popularity as a seaside resort for the well-to-do in the second half of the 19th century, in part due to the enthusiasm shown by statesman and Prime Minister William Gladstone who holidayed in Penmaenmawr between 1855 and 1896.

Penmaenmawr is noted for its spectacular mountain and coastal walks. Nearby are the popular attractions of Bwlch Sychnant (Sychnant Pass) and Mynydd y Dref. The uplands above the town have many prehistoric remains, including one of the most important stone axe 'manufacturing' sites in Europe

According to tradition, the 5th or 6th Century Saint Seiriol, after whom Ynys Seiriol (also known as Puffin Island or Priestholme) is named, had a hermit's cell in Cwm Graiglwyd. Clipyn Seiriol, above the modern road tunnel through Penmaen-mawr, also bears his name, as does the modern church of St Seiriol's near the town centre.