Muriau'r Gwyddelod Settlement

Stone circles and ancient hut foundations scatter across this windswept hillside just outside Harlech, marking where Irish settlers once made their homes. The name literally translates to 'walls of the Irish', and walking among these Bronze Age remains gives you a proper sense of how tough life must have been up here 3,000 years ago.

Archaeology enthusiasts will love picking out the different structures - you can still make out circular house foundations and what looks like field boundaries. The setting is spectacular too, with views across to Snowdonia on clear days. Kids might find it a bit abstract unless they're already into history, but it's definitely worth the short walk if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Castle View or Min-y-don.

Getting there requires a bit of map reading - there's no visitor centre or obvious signage, which adds to the authentic feel but means you need to know what you're looking for. Allow an hour or so to wander around and take in the views. The site sits on open moorland, so waterproofs are essential even on decent days. It's completely free to explore, though parking can be tricky on the narrow lanes. Best combined with a trip to Harlech Castle or the waterfalls at Rhaeadr Nantcol for a proper day out exploring this corner of Gwynedd.