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Overview

Spectacular castle that wasn’t quite as secure as the Normans hoped

Cilgerran is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. Its two great round towers loom high above the deep gorge of the River Teifi and the fast-flowing stream of the Plysog.

The perfect spot, you might have thought, from which the invading Anglo-Normans could defend their newly conquered lands. Take the thrilling wall-walk from the east tower to understand just what a daunting obstacle it must have presented to the rulers of the ancient kingdom of Deheubarth.

But it wasn’t quite impregnable enough. Probably first built as a ‘ringwork’ castle in 1108 by the Norman adventurer Gerald of Windsor, Cilgerran changed hands many times over the next century or more.

It was only in 1223 when the dashing earl of Pembroke, William Marshal, built ‘an ornate castle of mortar and stones’ on top of the original site that Norman control stood firm. Despite the best efforts of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Owain Glyndŵr, Cilgerran never again fell to the Welsh.

More about Cilgerran Castle


Opening times

Daily 10am–4pm*

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

*Open and unstaffed with no admission charge

 


Facilities

Access guide icon Dogs welcome icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Venue hire icon Bike storage icon

Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.

Cilgerran Castle — Access Guide

Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

Smoking is not permitted.

This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.

Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.


Directions

Road
Main roads to Cilgerran from A478 & A484.
Rail
Haverfordwest 50km/31mls Swansea -West Wales Line.
Bus
3m (5km) Cardigan, route No 412, Haverfordwest-Cardigan
Bike
NCN Route No.82 On route

Postcode SA43 2SF

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.


Contact us

Telephone 03000 252239

Email
Cadw@gov.wales

Address
Cilgerran Castle
Cardigan SA43 2SF
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.