Holyhead Breakwater

The Holyhead Breakwater is a significant structure that features an extended and consolidated rocky headland made of rubble fill, with massive squared blocks forming the outer revetments. On the harbour side, there is a masonry landing stage. A narrower pier extends northwest from the junction at an ashlar drum, which has a rope-mould cornice and a massive attached parapet.

The seaward side showcases a broad elliptical string course, with rubble blocks beneath it, along with a raised walkway and a protective wall that has an oversailing cornice. Cyclopean dressings adorn inset stairways, which are flanked by concave refuges leading to the lower deck. The design includes alternating masonry blockhouses featuring central arched openings. There are occasional waisted bollards and inset stairways along the harbour edge of the lower deck, which previously had tramway lines.

At the outer end of the breakwater, there is a modern masonry exedra that faces the harbour. Cyclopean steps, flanked by a screen wall with a rope-moulded turret, lead up to the outermost platform, which is home to a lighthouse and parapets. This outer ovoid platform was formerly used as a gun platform.