Castell Dryslwyn

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Visitor Notice

Please keep dogs on short leads only.

Occasionally (as noted on the gate) there will be times when dogs are not allowed to ensure the safety of grazing sheep in the castle grounds. We kindly ask visitors to be understanding and respect this condition.

Fragmentary – yet evocative – remains of a castle laid low by conflict

Founded in the 13th century on an isolated hill in the verdant Tywi Valley, Dryslwyn was once an important seat of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth.

Not much is known about its early history, but in 1287 it was the scene of a significant conflict between Welsh and English forces. In response to an uprising by Welsh lord Rhys ap Maredudd, 11,000 English troops were dispatched to lay siege to the castle. The conflict lasted two weeks as siege engines and sappers (soldiers with engineering skills, including tunnelling) chipped away at the fortress’s defences. The attackers eventually brought down a large section of the walls and the castle fell into the hands of the English crown.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 31st March	10am–4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Visitor information

Car park

Public car park opposite main entrance with 15 spaces, no dedicated disabled parking bay.

Dogs welcome

Please keep dogs on short leads only.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 4 – Strenuous

Drone policy

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

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Dryslwyn Castle is located high upon a hill in the Tywi Valley, access is through a steep climb from the lower car park. Visitors are required to cross the main road to access the entrance gate. Please take care of fast-moving vehicles here.

The path consists of a series of steps, gravel and natural paths. This may take up to 20 minutes, but the view is worth it!

There maybe small livestock around the castle during your visit, please do not approach them and keep all dogs on leads.

Naturally the grounds here are uneven and may be wet / muddy during poor weather conditions. Please use handrails where provided on the steps, these are historic original stone steps and may be uneven.

Guardrails have been installed to prevent access to any areas of the site that we have deemed as dangerous or to prevent falls in specific areas.

Please do not climb over or through any fixed installation or on the castle masonry; there are areas with hidden drops.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

Some or all of the following warning signs may be found situated around the site. Please pay attention where appropriate.