Churches

Penmachno Parish

Saint Tudclud's Church, Penmachno closed in 1997 and was made redundant in 1998. Meetings have been held to discuss the future of the church building and there is a real sense that people want to have the church as a multifunctional building. Monthly services are being held in the parish in different locations e.g. the visitor centre at Ty Mawr Wybrnant, the barn at Pen-y-Bryn Farm, and the bar at the Eagles Hotel. For more information please visit http://www.penmachno.net. Please click on the History link above to download a history of St Tudclud's Church.

Saint Gwyddelan's Church, Dolwyddelan

Grade 1 building. Handsome roof and barrel- vaulted chancel with a carving of the Dolwyddelan Dragon. The present church replaced an earlier one and was named after a Celtic missionary, 'Gwyddelan' (the Little Irishman). It was built about 1500 by Meredith Wynne and the south chapel was added later in the 16th century by Robert Wynne, the same Wynne family of Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst and Plas Mawr, Conwy. The memorial in the nave, to members of his family, was erected in the 17th century. Pews, pulpit and lectern date from the early 18th century. A Celtic hand bell of cast bronze, hanging in the church, has been dated to 800AD and is by far the oldest item in the building. This small church is one of the best examples of its age in North Wales. It has great atmosphere and is a charming place for worship. A visit is strongly recommended. Please click on the History link above to download a copy of our guide leaflet.

Saint Mary's Church, Betws-y-Coed

The Parish Church was built in 1873, and designed by Paley & Austin of Lancaster. It replaced the old St. Michael's Church which was too small to cope with the influx of tourists to Betws-y-coed in the 1870's. Much of the stained glass was designed by Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (1833-1898). He also designed stained glass windows for churches in England, America, India, Germany and France and the mosaic decorations in the apse of the American Church in Rome. Please click on the History link above to download a copy of the church guide leaflet.