Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) in North Wales has received International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification from the International Dark-Sky Association, making it the first site in Europe to achieve this recognition. 

Night sky over Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). Photo credit: Steve Porter.

International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are the most remote and often darkest places in the world whose conservation state is most fragile. Enlli meets strict criteria with its new designation and joins just 16 other Sanctuary sites worldwide. 

Sian Stacey, Chair of the Bardsey Island Trust, said: “We are delighted to announce the news of Ynys Enlli’s new status as International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It is a huge achievement, and I would like to thank all who have been involved. It’s the culmination of several years of hard work involving our own team as well as our partners across the region and beyond.

“There’s no doubt that achieving this prestigious status for Ynys Enlli will raise the profile of the island as a unique place in Wales and amongst the best in the world to appreciate the night sky. We hope it will also go a long way in securing the long-term sustainability of the island.” 

Ynys Enlli from the mainland © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Ynys Enlli is located two miles from the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, off the coast of North Wales. Its location and geographical features make it one of the darkest places in the UK – with the mountain on the island serving as an effective barrier, limiting light from the mainland. The closest significant light pollution comes from Dublin, over 70 miles across the Irish Sea. 

Known as ‘the island of 20,000 saints’ due to the Celtic and Christian monasteries established there since the sixth century, the population of Ynys Enlli has fluctuated over the centuries. Evidence suggests that it was inhabited from as early as the Bronze Age.

Today, it is home to a small community of residents who work the land and fish from the island. There is also a Bird and Field Observatory and ten Grade 2-listed cottages for visitors who come to escape modern life during the holiday season. Ynys Enlli is open from March to October and is only accessible by boat. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from the mainland.

Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

A four-year programme using the latest technology was undertaken as part of the application to monitor the quality of the night sky on the island to show that it is sufficiently dark to qualify for the designation.

Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of the International Dark-Sky Association, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ynys Ellis to the growing community of dark sky places worldwide. With it, Wales is fast becoming one of the leading nations in protecting dark skies as a precious resource that benefits people and wildlife.”

Mari Huws, one of the wardens on Ynys Enlli who took part in the certification process, added: “Living here, I am always in awe of the island’s beauty – and the night sky is very much a part of that. Having secured the certification, we look forward to welcoming visitors here over the coming months and years and sharing with them our unique story.

“We knew we lived in a special place, this new status confirms this, with IDSS putting Enlli firmly on the global stage. In a world that’s increasingly being polluted, it’s a privilege to be able to work towards protecting something that is pristine for future generations.”

Sunset on Ynys Enlli © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary programme to encourage communities, parks and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education.

Supporters of Ynys Enlli’s application included the Welsh Government, other International Dark Sky Places in Wales, such as the Brecon Beacons National Park and Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Natural Resources Wales and Gwynedd Council.

Ynys Enlli joins more than 200 places all around the world that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to remote Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) on a tailor-made tour of Wales, please do contact our friendly team today.