Dryslwyn Castle

Dryslwyn Castle stands on a rocky hill above the Towy Valley in Carmarthenshire. It was built in the 1220s by a prince of Deheubarth, one of the Welsh kingdoms. The site overlooks the valley with wide views in every direction. The castle changed hands many times during the struggles between Welsh and English forces. It is one of the few castles built by a Welsh chieftain that still stands today. The castle is now a Grade I listed building, recognised for its historical importance. The castle played a central role in the security of Deheubarth for centuries. It was besieged in 1246 by the Seneschal of Carmarthen, acting on behalf of an unknown rightful owner. In 1287, Rhys ap Maredudd led a revolt against English rule and held the castle for three weeks. English forces used a trebuchet and mining to capture it, killing several knights when a mine collapsed. After the revolt failed, the English blocked access routes and decommissioned the castle. Owain Glyndŵr seized the castle in 1403 before the English recaptured and destroyed it. Today, little remains of the original structure, but excavations have uncovered foundations and walls. The inner ward shows the best-preserved remains, including a round tower and traces of halls. The castle’s polygonal plan fits the shape of the hilltop, and three wards can still be seen. The site is now managed by Cadw, which uses the Welsh name Castell Dryslwyn. Visitors can walk among the ruins and imagine the castle’s past strength and the battles fought there.