Dolwyddelan Castle

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Dolwyddelan Castle

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 ab Iorwerth (1173-1240), as he was also known, 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 so 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.

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Ask about FREE ENTRY if you are 60 and over or 16 and under and live in Wales.

Adults £2.60 Reduced Rate £2.25Family Ticket £7.50 (admits 2 adults & all children under 16)Children under 5: FREEUnder 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Prices valid until 31st March 2010

Last admission 30 mins before closing 1 Apr-31 Sept 09: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun - 11:30am - 4pm. 1 Oct 09 - 31 Mar 10: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun - 11:30am - 4pm. Closed 24,25,26,Dec and 1 Jan

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