Y Felinheli
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Y Felinheli | |
  |
|
| Population | 2,081 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Principal area | Gwynedd |
| Ceremonial county | Gwynedd |
| Constituent country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Y FELINHELI |
| Postcode district | LL56 |
| Dial code | 01248 |
| Police | North Wales |
| Fire | North Wales |
| Ambulance | Wales |
| UK Parliament | Caernarfon |
| European Parliament | Wales |
| List of places: UK • Wales • Gwynedd | |
Y Felinheli is a village lying beside the Menai Strait (Welsh: Y Fenai) between Bangor and Caernarfon in north Wales. The population is about 2,000.
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.
It originally developed as a port for shipping slate out from the Dinorwic slate quarry, and hence acquired the now largely defunct name 'Port Dinorwic'. The port was connected to the quarry via the 4 ft (1219 mm) gauge Padarn Railway.
It provides a centre for boating and sailing, it has moorings, a marina and a well devloped 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.
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 The Halfway House (situated exactly halfway between Bangor and Caernarfon) and Gardd Fôn pubs, The Pink Palace Hotel and La Voile retaurant.
There is a local football team, CPD Y Felinheli, and there is a legend of a rugby team in years gone by.
