Menai

Menai refers to the region around the Menai Strait in north-west Wales, encompassing the tidal waterway itself and the communities on the Isle of Anglesey and the Welsh mainland that border it. The Menai Strait is a shallow, narrow channel that separates Anglesey from Gwynedd and forms a maritime link between the Irish Sea and the larger western sea areas. The surrounding area is noted for its coastal scenery, maritime history, and role in Wales’ industrial past.

Two major crossings span the strait. The Menai Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826, is a landmark of civil engineering and a longstanding route for road traffic between Anglesey and the mainland. The Britannia Bridge carries rail traffic across the strait; it began as an early rail crossing in the 19th century and was rebuilt as a modern structure in the late 20th century to accommodate contemporary rail services. Together, these bridges connect the island to the mainland and facilitated broader economic links.

The town associated with the crossing on Anglesey is commonly referred to as Menai Bridge, known in Welsh as Porthaethwy. It developed around the strait’s crossings and serves as a local center for commerce and tourism. The Menai area sits within the Ynys Môn (Isle of Anglesey) unitary authority and has ties to the historic county of Gwynedd.

Today the Menai area remains a popular destination for visitors seeking views of the strait, sailing, and coastal walks, while remaining closely linked to nearby towns such as Bangor and the broader Welsh coastal region.