In the quaint seaside village of Newborough, Anglesey, residents are feeling increasingly besieged by the influx of tourists drawn to the stunning beach made famous by the hit TV series House of the Dragon. With summer approaching, locals are voicing their frustrations as traffic chaos continues to disrupt their daily lives.
Last weekend, on May 3-4, 2025, a group of fed-up residents staged a 'moving blockade' in an effort to halt the steady stream of vehicles clogging their roads. This protest included children holding a 'slow march' to delay cars from reaching the beach, highlighting the ongoing traffic issues that have made life in Newborough increasingly difficult.
Annwen Williams, a grandmother of seven, passionately stated, "For years there have been lots of meetings and lots of talk but not enough action. Well we are now the action. We're fed up and we need things to change. And we won't be backing down - this weekend's protest won't be the last." Her sentiments echo the frustrations of many who feel that their concerns are falling on deaf ears.
The traffic problems reached a boiling point during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, when drivers faced a staggering 40-minute journey for what should have been a half-mile trip into the village. This chaos even delayed mourners attempting to attend a funeral, further illustrating the severity of the situation. Cathy Sands, who manages the local Facebook page, described the scene as an "absolute farce," with cars bumper to bumper as visitors turned the village into a makeshift parking lot.
Much of the traffic congestion stems from tourists attempting to access the sandy beach at Llanddwyn, which offers only 300 parking spaces. The picturesque beach, with its dramatic coastal views and proximity to the Snowdonia mountain range, has become a popular destination for fans of the fantasy series. However, the influx of visitors has created significant challenges for local residents.
Residents have expressed their concerns about the lack of enforcement regarding parking regulations. Many drivers resorted to illegal parking on double-yellow lines or blocking driveways, creating additional hazards. In some cases, cars were even parked across entrances designated for emergency services, raising alarms about potential risks in case of fire or other emergencies.
In response to the mounting complaints, Anglesey Council has stated that parking wardens regularly monitor the area and issue fixed penalty notices when necessary. A spokesperson confirmed that a warden visited Newborough three separate times over the Easter weekend, but reported no issues that warranted enforcement action. The council emphasized its commitment to working collaboratively with the community to address specific concerns about traffic and parking.
As the summer season approaches, residents remain anxious about what lies ahead. Cathy Sands noted that the problems have been escalating over the years and are starting earlier in the season than ever before. "What we experienced last weekend was as bad as it's ever been - we're dreading what will happen during the summer holiday season," she lamented.
Meanwhile, in Limavady, Northern Ireland, another establishment is preparing for a milestone of its own. Owens' bar, a local institution, is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. The bar has a rich history, having been a gathering place for locals for decades.
In 1959, Guinness Draught was brewed for the first time to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of Arthur Guinness signing a 9,000-year lease on St James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. However, when the new brew arrived at Owens' bar in the early 1960s, patrons were skeptical. According to the bar's proprietor, Frank Owens, the initial response was less than enthusiastic. He eventually instructed the brewery to take back the tap, as no one was ordering the unfamiliar drink.
As Owens' bar looks forward to its centenary, it reflects a time when local pubs were the heart of community life. The establishment has weathered the storms of changing tastes and trends, remaining a beloved venue for both locals and visitors alike.
While the challenges faced by residents in Newborough highlight the impact of tourism on small communities, the story of Owens' bar serves as a reminder of the enduring charm of local establishments. As both places navigate their unique challenges, the balance between preserving local culture and accommodating visitors remains a delicate dance.
In a world where the allure of popular culture often collides with the realities of everyday life, the voices of residents in Newborough and the legacy of Owens' bar in Limavady remind us of the importance of community and the need for sustainable tourism practices.
As the summer season approaches, both locals and tourists alike will have to find a way to coexist, ensuring that the beauty of these locations is appreciated without overwhelming the very fabric of the communities that call them home.
Only time will tell how these two stories will unfold, but for now, the residents of Newborough and the patrons of Owens' bar continue to navigate their paths, shaped by history, culture, and the ever-changing tides of tourism.
