THE ROMANS did not like Anglesey. Of all the many lands they conquered, this little island off the North Wales coast was one of the most troublesome. The invading army were met at the Menai Straits by huge gangs of violent druids and tribesmen waving cudgels. Wild women painted in blue woad danced madly along the shore, shrieking weird incantations at the enemy. A Roman commentator described his men "watching fearfully, their limbs shaking in terror".
 A great deal has changed in the intervening 2,000 years! The modern visitor to Anglesey will be met by nothing more than beautiful coastal scenery, interesting tourist attractions and historic monuments. Today, the warmth of the welcome from the island's residents is the equal of anywhere in Wales and there is hardly a woad-painted woman or violent druid in sight. Visitors have been enjoying the mild climate and beautiful coastal scenery of Anglesey for hundreds of years. Now, emerging from the devastation wrought by foot and mouth, it is as good as it ever has been - and the A5 road cutting through the island has been upgraded to allow easy and fast access to even the most distant section of coastline.
 The island is dotted with signs of its ancient past. Prehistoric standing stones and mysterious burial chambers are everywhere. The depth of the history is astonishing. Near Traeth Lligwy, for instance, a five minute walk will take you past a 4,000 year-old burial chamber, an 11th century church and a 2nd century village. Llys Rhosyr, the site of the court of a medieval Welsh prince, has been discovered near Newborough. While Beaumaris, another of Edward I's famous castles, is a short drive from Menai Bridge. Anglesey's recent history is also fascinating. At the height of the industrial revolution, the town of Amlwch had thousands of residents, all dependent on nearby Parys Mountain, then the biggest coppermine in the world. Dedicated sun lovers and pleasure hounds can head straight for the beaches. In total, 24 of these have won awards for their cleanliness with two (Llanddwyn and Llanddona) the proud owners of European Blue Flags. Surrounding the beaches is some of the finest coastal scenery in Britain, most of which is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Circular walks are waymarked from most of the main coastal centres. The walks are mainly flat, provide wonderful views and are suitable for all the family. South Stack near Holyhead is probably the most impressive section of coastline. It is also the location for one of Europe's most incredible wildlife spectacles each May, June and July. During these months, tens of thousands of nesting seabirds set up home on the sheer cliffs. The cacophony created by the massed ranks of guillemots, razorbills and puffins just has to be experienced. It is as spectacular as an African safari. A mention must also be given to Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol). The eponymous puffins were almost destroyed by rats a few years ago, but these have now been eradicated. Boat trips run around the island in summer from Beaumaris. In recent years, a number of modern tourist attractions have sprung up across the island. Anglesey Sea Zoo in Brynsiencyn attracts many visitors, young and old, as does Pili Palas, the butterfly centre.
 A considerable number of misguided people zoom through Anglesey on their way to catch the Irish ferry without stopping. Make sure you are not one of these foolish people - stop to explore this beautiful island. | 
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