Carreg Cennen Castle

South Wales

29 Oct

Quick Info

Region: Deheubarth
Built: 1240s
In the Care of: CADW
Free Parking: Onsite Parking Available
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Admission: Paid Entry
Postcode: SA19 6UA

Opening Times

9.30am - 4.30pm

“There is a prehistoric cave dwelling that runs beneath Carreg Cennen Castle! You can visit it yourself - make sure you bring a torch.”

— Castle Crawl Cymru

History

Like many other Castles, this was built on a prehistoric and roman settlement. Apparently a cache of Roman coins have been found on the site, as well as four sets pre-historic human remains. This is a native Welsh castle belonging to the Deheubarth Dynasty. It is thought that this was built by Rhys ap Gruffudd because he had castles in Dinefwr and Cardigan too.

It also appears in the Brut y Tywysogyon (Chronicle of the Princes). It records that ‘Rhys Fychan — great grandson of the Lord Rhys — recovered the castle, which his mother had treacherously delivered to the English out of hostility towards him. The stronghold that now stands dates entirely from the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries and was probably built by John Giffard after Edward I’s capture of the castle in 1277’. (CADW)

This castle had a long history of violence and drama. Even into the early 15th century, when it was attacked by Owain Glyndwr and again in the 16th century when it was seen as too much of a threat to the monarchy following the civil war and it was destroyed and left to ruin.

What Can You See?

From the carpark you walk uphill into a farm yard. On your right you will find the reception, giftshop and exhibition. Pop in, buy your tickets and get ready to be impressed as you make your way up the hill towards the castle!

A short 15 minute walk uphill and you will find yourself at the outer ward of the castle.

There is a prehistoric cave dwelling that runs beneath Carreg Cennen Castle! You can visit it yourself - make sure you bring a torch.

Accessibility

The Walk to the castle from the car park takes roughly 10-15 minutes and is accessible to pushchairs. The walk up to the castle is a fairly steep grass bank so accessibility for the disabled or less mobile is dependant on the aids available to them.