One of Eryri’s hidden historical gems
Dolwyddelan Castle is one of a series of mountain castles thought to have been built throughout Eryri by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great). This was one of the Conwy area’s Welsh strongholds, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The role of Dolwyddelan Castle
Llywelyn was prince of Gwynedd from 1195–1240, and Dolwyddelan Castle was purpose-built at the turn of the 13th century to protect the mountain pass, a popular route between Conwy and Cricieth.
Dolwyddelan Castle Sieges
In 1283, Dolwyddelan Castle was in the hands of Dafydd ap Gruffydd, one of Llywelyn the Great’s grandchildren, when Edward I seized the castle from the Welsh. Edward commissioned several alterations to the castle, including building a new tower, raising the height of the keep and installing a siege engine.
Dolwyddelan today
Only one tower remains intact to this day. The ruins of the tower built by Edward I can be seen, along with the remains of the castle enclosure.
Visit Dolwyddelan Castle
Information about visiting Dolwyddelan Castle is available on the Cadw website.