Y Felinheli

Y Felinheli is a village lying beside the Menai Strait (Welsh:Y Fenai) between Bangor and Caernarfon in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. The population is about 2,200.

Etymology

Its name comes from y (the), melin (mill) and heli (brine/salt-water/sea)

There are several mills in the local area dependent on the tidal power of the Menai Strait. During the late 18th century the Dinorwig quarries built an extensive harbour for the export of slate, which was transported to the quay on a purpose-built narrow gauge railway. It was this industrial expansion which gave Y Felinheli (Felin-hely, 1838) the alternative name of Port Dinorwig or Port Dinorwic. (the port of Dinorwic, 1851). The demise of the slate industry and the development of the harbour for recreational sailing have recently contributed to the replacement of the name 'Port Dinorwic' in English with 'Y Felinheli', bringing English usage in line with Welsh.

The village at present

The port now provides a centre for boating and sailing, it has moorings, a marina and a well developed accompanyment of yacht support businesses, including rigging, sail making and boatyard [1]. The village also has holiday accommodation. The local sailing club [2]is very active, with dinghy racing held on Saturday afternoons, and Wednesday and Friday evenings. A by-pass constructed in 1993/4 has removed much of the traffic that congested the main street for many years.

Demographics

According to the National Census 2001, the number of speakers of the Welsh language in all age groups was 72%, with the highest percentage of Welsh speakers being in the 5-9 range (97.8%). There is a very strong Welsh community, with almost all community activities held in the Welsh Language.

Although most villagers work in Caernarfon or Bangor, the village has a strong sense of community. The local carnival committee organize the annual Gwyl Felinheli (Felinheli Festival), and also a superb firework display at the beginning of November. Both of these events are very popular in the local area, and parts of the village close down to allow the visitors proper access.

Y Felinheli boasts a number of drinking holes, most popular are Tafarn y Fic and Gardd Fôn.

Eating out is catered for by La Voile Bistro situated in the 'old quarry office' on the Marina.  

The Halfway House (situated exactly halfway between Bangor and Caernarfon) the Gardd Fôn pub and The "Pink Palace Hotel".

There is a local football team, CPD Y Felinheli, and there is a legend of a rugby team in years gone by.

Coordinates: 53.18409° N 4.20882° W

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