Penmon Priory and St Seiriol’s Well
Free Cadw site at Penmon near Beaumaris: medieval priory ruins and church, a 10th-century carved cross, St Seiriol's holy well and a dovecote built around 1600.
St Seiriol founded a monastery at Penmon in the 6th century. Most of the priory ruins you see today date from the 13th century, when the community became Augustinian. The priory church is still the parish church, and parts of it go back to the 12th century. Inside stands a carved stone cross from around the 10th century, with knotwork on its shaft.
A short path leads to St Seiriol’s Well, a spring said to have healing powers. The well may date back to the saint’s time, but the small stone cell over it is much later. Across the road is Penmon Dovecote, built around 1600 with room for up to 1,000 nests.
Good to know
Entry to the Cadw sites is free. The car park is run by a third party and charges apply. The cross can only be seen when the church is open.