ClwydLLANFAIRTALHAIARNStMary(llywelyn2000CC-BY-SA4.0)3 Llywelyn2000

St Mary

St Mary's dates from the 12th century and is enclosed by an ancient walled churchyard with many ancient gravestones and two very old yew trees.

Llanfair Talhaiarn, Clwyd

Opening times

Covid19 : During the current pandemic the church itself is closed but the churchyard remains open.

[Normally : The church is open daily between 9am and 5pm during the spring and summer, with the hours reducing to between 10am and 4pm during autumn and winter.
Access to the churchyard all day.]

Address

Church Street
Llanfair Talhaiarn
Clwyd
LL22 8SD

The inscriptions on many of the stones provide fascinating insights into the history of local inhabitants over the years, their family links and their occupations. The grave of the celebrated bard, Talhaiarn (John Jones) one of Wales's most 19th century popular poets and song writers attracts many visitors exploring Welsh culture.

There is a wildflower meadow, bird feeders, seats and a picnic bench, a bug hotel and also a quiz that takes visitors on a treasure hunt tour. An illustrated leaflet supports this and has been widely used by visitors. The children at the primary school next to the church have been closely involved with the developments with visits planned to fit in with their curriculum.

As custodians of one of the oldest sites in our village we feel that it is essential that the churchyard is accessible and valued by all the community. Within its stone walls the church holds the key to the history of the village and the wider community. Many of the gravestones are in good condition and it is possible to trace family links to still working farms.

  • Wildlife haven

  • National heritage here

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Church in Wales

  • Cornerstone Grant, £10,000, 2021

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Michael

Betws yn Rhos, Clwyd

An eccentric Victorian gothic church with twin towers which stands on an ancient religious site.

St Nefydd & St Mary

Llannefydd, Denbighshire

Near the North Wales Pilgrims Way and was founded in the 5th century by St Nefydd, this church has significant links to Welsh culture and language with Catherine of Berain, cousin of Elizabeth I and known as the Mother of Wales, said to be buried here.

St Cynbryd

Llanddulas, Clwyd

The church was designed by architect Edward Street with wonderful stained glass windows and a large well kept churchyard with flower beds and bench seats so that both the church and churchyard are oases of peace.