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View from Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle

Dolwyddelan Castle

A visit to this solitary sentinel is worth it for the views alone.

Castles and mountains. Dolwyddelan and Snowdonia. Made for each other. Improving on nature’s handiwork is easier said than done but this beauty blends beautifully with its craggy home. A blot it is not. Thank the Prince of Gwynedd in north Wales and de facto ruler of most of Wales, Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn the Great).

Llywelyn (1173 – 1240), knew his square mile like nobody else. Dolwyddelan, along with nearby Dolbadarn and Prysor, formed a collection of strategically important mountain fortresses for the Welsh ruler. After his day, his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd took over the castle. He kept Edward’s forces at bay for a while.

The magnificent keep was later supplemented by Llywelyn with a stone curtain wall enclosing the courtyard. The English went on to refortify the castle and add another rectangular tower. It didn’t fare as well as the original. Maybe there is justice after all as it now lies in ruins.

With a little restorative help from the Victorians, this 13th-century fortress is now a masterpiece.

Address

Dolwyddelan Castle, Dolwyddelan. LL25 0JD

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Opening hours

  • Monday
    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday
    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday
    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday
    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday
    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday
    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday
    11:30 am - 4:00 pm

These are the peak summer opening times.
Other times may vary. For full details please visit the CADW website.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

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