Cilgerran Castle
Quick Info
Region: Pembrokshire
Built: 1223 by earl of Pembroke, William Marshal
In the Care of: CADW
Parking: No on site parking
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes (ground floor only)
Admission: Paid access
Postcode: SA43 2SF
Opening Times
10am - 5pm
Click for more info
Avid historian Prof. Herman Hammond giving a tour.
“This castle has had a very tumultuous past and was left in ruin by the 19th century.”
History
Built between 1110 and 1115 by Norman Gerald of Windsor, Cilgerran Castle was strategically positioned overlooking the river Teifi. In the 12th century the original wooden keep was rebuilt in stone and mortar and it never again fell to the Welsh, despite many attempts by Llewellyn up Gruffydd and Owain Glyndwr.
This castle has had a very tumultuous past and was left in ruin by the 19th century.
One of the most infamous people from Cilgerran castle was Princess Nest. Daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr, King of Southern Wales.
What Can You See?
We parked at the Lower Carpark in Cilgerran and it had free parking and free toilets. There was a riverside and woodland walk that led up to the castle. It was very steep and stepped, so quite a workout, but we were lucky that Historian Herman was able to pull us up! It was a short walk then to the castle, where the gates were open ready for us and we popped into the reception to nose at the lovely gifts and to buy ourselves our tickets - Dogs go free!
There’s lots to see at the castle, including beautiful scenery overlooking the heavily wooded Teifi river. There are picnic benches so you can take your lunch and save some pennies! Don’t miss out on saying hello to the large willow sculptures that are built to depict the real people that once lived there.
Accessibility
The ground floor of the castle is wheelchair accessible. CADW have a thorough guide that goes into detail regarding all aspects of accessibility to the site. Click here.
Sources
Jenkins, Simon. (2008). Wales Churches, Houses, Castles. London: Penguin Books. Page 98.
Hume, Philip. (2021). The Welsh Marcher Lordships I: Central & North. Eardisley. Logaston Press.
