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Chirk: a pen portrait

Chirk Castle gates

Last updated: 16 January 2009

The town is known as the gateway to Wales...

A small town with a long history, Chirk traditionally was the gateway to Wales and travellers from England would pass through on their way to Holyhead and Ireland, sometimes breaking their journey at a coaching inn in the town. Today, travellers still come to the town to visit attractions such as Chirk Castle. The historic National Trust property has beautiful gardens and impressive wrought iron gates known to locals as the "Pretty Gates, which were made by the Davies brothers, of Bersham, in the early 18th century.

Another attraction is the Llangollen Canal which provides opportunities for boating trips and peaceful walks. The nearby aqueduct and viaduct are a spectacular sight. The aqueduct, which spans the Ceiriog Valley, was designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford and completed in 1801.

There are many places to explore around Chirk, including the scenic Ceiriog Valley and Pistyll Rhaeadr, the highest waterfall in Wales, and one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

As well as being a base for tourists, Chirk is a busy town in its own right with shops, places to eat and businesses supplying the residents with all their needs.

Two of the better known local employers include Kronospan and Cadburys. The town has a variety of leisure facilities including a swimming pool and floodlit football pitch.

St Mary's Church, which has records dating back to 1163, occupies a central position in the town and contains monuments to the Trevors and the Myddletons, local families of note. Chirk also has well established Roman Catholic and Methodist churches. Whether a local resident or just visiting, Chirk has a lot to offer - do you agree?

Written by Wales NE Web Team





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