The Station Approach, and  the magnificent Station Hotel, demolished in 1978.

The Station Clock, standing proudly at the head of the Mail berths on the hotel courtyard.

The inward mail boat on No. 7 berth, under the shadow of the Station Hotel.

Top of No. 7 berth, the Mail Arrival berth, showing Piles 4 - 7.

No. 7 berth, the Mail Arrival berth. Piles 4 - 35.

No. 8 berth, the Mail Departure berth. Piles 3 - 33.

No. 9 berth, the Special Berth. Piles 34 - 59. Until her withdrawal in 1965 this was the Princess Maud's berth. Not the easiest to berth at due to a slight curve and lost when the Station Berth linkspan was installed.

The platform into which The Irish Mail would thunder on arrival from London Euston.

In a 1978 issue of Sea Breezes the writer spoke of desolation at Holyhead. The faceless clock, the derelict hotel and an endless tunnel to take passengers to the new St Columba. A most accurate description for the time.

A new Holyhead Ferry 1 alongside the new car ferry terminal at Salt Island, 1965. © Justin Merrigan Collection.

Cars drive off the Holyhead Ferry 1 at Salt Island. © Justin Merrigan Collection.

The Dover at the Salt Island Car Ferry Terminal. © Ian Collard. 

No. 7 berth, the Mail Arrival berth. Piles 4 - 35.

The after end of the St Columba alongside No. 8 berth.

Holyhead 1998