2. Erynporth History

According to island folklore, the herring were a gift from the sea goddess Dôn, who sent them to sustain the people through long winters. To this day, fishermen still follow the old tradition of pouring a small measure of ale into the sea before casting the first net—a humble offering to ensure both safety and bounty. The air of Erynporth would once be thick with the scent of salt, woodsmoke, and fish oil as barrels were rolled down to the docks, destined for the smokehouses of Llanchala and beyond.

The construction of the pier in 1860 changed everything. Paddle steamers and trading vessels began arriving daily, carrying ice, barrels, and workers. When the railway from Llanchala to Porthdun was completed in 1870—followed by a branch line directly to the pier head in 1875—Erynporth became one of the most important fishing ports on the islands. Fish could now be transported fresh, rather than salted or smoked, to distant towns within hours. Prosperity followed, and with it came new industries: cooperages, rope-makers, and even shipbuilders catering to the herring fleet.

Though modern refrigeration and changing sea patterns have reduced the size of catches, Erynporth remains proud of its heritage. The Herring Festival, held each October, celebrates the town’s maritime past with music, dancing, and the scent of freshly grilled fish drifting across the promenade. In the taverns, old songs are still sung—tales of the “Silver Tide,” of brave fishermen, and of a sea that once gave so generously to those who honoured it.

The tanning process remains rooted in long-established practices. Fresh hides are first soaked to remove salt and impurities, then carefully cleaned before being immersed in large tanning pits. Historically these pits were filled with natural tanning liquors made from oak bark, heather root, and other local tannins, lending Glynoch leather a reputation for durability and a warm, earthy hue. Although contemporary facilities use more efficient methods, many still incorporate natural tannins to preserve the island’s characteristic finish. After the tanning stage, the hides are stretched, dried, and softened through a combination of mechanical and hand-worked techniques, resulting in a supple, long-lasting material suitable for a wide range of goods.

Erynporth’s workshops produce an impressive variety of leather items, catering both to practical local needs and to the interests of visiting travellers. Everyday products such as belts, saddles, work boots, and tool satchels can be found in shops throughout the town, each made to withstand the rigours of island life. Alongside these, artisans create finely crafted handbags, journals, gloves, and decorative accessories that have become popular souvenirs. Many pieces feature motifs inspired by Glynoch’s maritime traditions—knotwork patterns, stylised waves, and the distinctive Glynoch stag—making them uniquely tied to the region’s cultural identity.

The industry’s reach extends far beyond local markets. With the same transport links that carry Port Gwyn beef across the continent, Erynporth leather goods are exported throughout northern Europe, appreciated for their rugged quality and traditional craftsmanship. Whether purchased by islanders, travellers, or continental buyers, these items serve as enduring symbols of Erynporth’s heritage and the ingenuity that transformed a by-product of the cattle trade into a celebrated craft.

Tourism at Erynporth

Tourism is, without question, the lifeblood of modern-day Erynporth—a second great “tide” that sweeps through the town every summer. Where once fishing boats and herring barrels dominated the quayside, now come families, sunseekers, and artists drawn to the same golden light that shimmers over Erynporth’s miles of sandy beaches. The air hums with the laughter of children, the cry of gulls, and the nostalgic whistle of trains arriving with the morning tide.

The transformation began in 1860, when the construction of the grand Erynporth Pier opened the town to the world. Paddle steamers brought day-trippers from the mainland, their decks crowded with visitors eager to taste sea air and stroll along the promenade. The opening of the railway connection from Llanchala to Porthdun in 1870, followed by a dedicated branch line to the pier head in 1875, changed Erynporth forever. Trains met every arriving steamer, whisking passengers to hotels, boarding houses, and the great beachside promenade that quickly became the town’s pride.

By the turn of the century, Erynporth had earned its reputation as “The Golden Gateway of Glynoch.” Long rows of guesthouses stretched down the coast, painted in cheerful pastel hues. Tea rooms, theatres, and penny arcades soon followed. Bathing huts dotted the beach, and the air was filled with the scent of salt and sun-warmed seaweed. For the working families of the islands, Erynporth offered a taste of leisure and freedom—sand between the toes, music from the pier bandstand, and a ride on the merry-go-round before sunset.

Today, the tradition continues much as it did a century ago. Excursion boats still queue up in Llanchala Bay during summer months for access to the pierhead, bringing a new generation of holidaymakers to enjoy the timeless charm of Erynporth’s golden sands. The guesthouses, many of them family-run for generations, retain their Victorian grace with wrought-iron balconies and embroidered linens. Evenings bring the soft glow of lamps along the promenade, the chatter of diners spilling from seaside cafés, and the sound of jazz drifting from the pier pavilion.

Erynporth’s spirit is one of enduring joy and hospitality, where every sunrise over the sea seems to promise another perfect day by the shore—a living echo of the island’s golden age of travel.