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.

Visit Dolwyddelan Castle (Cadw)