Cilgerran Castle
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.
Opening times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Sunday-Wednesday open and unstaffed with no admission charge
Daily 10am–4pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
*Open and unstaffed with no admission charge
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£5.00
|
| Family* |
£16.30
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students |
£3.60
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£4.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off admission (not available online) National Trust members admitted free on production of valid membership cards (Cilgerran Castle is a National Trust property that it is in the guardianship of Cadw) |
|
Facilities
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Directions
Main roads to Cilgerran from A478 & A484.
Haverfordwest 50km/31mls Swansea -West Wales Line.
3m (5km) Cardigan, route No 412, Haverfordwest-Cardigan
NCN Route No.82 (200m/218yards).
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
AddressCilgerran Castle
Cardigan SA43 2SF
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Cardigan SA43 2SF
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
