Dinerth Castle

Dinerth Castle stands on a hill about two kilometres from the seaside town of Aberarth in Ceredigion, west Wales. Built around 1110, it was a timber castle on a site already used for defence. The ruins sit where the River Arth meets the Erthyg Brook, with steep ravines on three sides and a deep ditch on the east. Two mounds once held towers, and platforms to the south likely supported halls and other buildings. The whole site covers about three hectares and is now covered by ancient oak and beech woodland. The castle was founded by Richard de la Mare, a follower of the Anglo-Norman lord Richard fitz Gilbert. It changed hands many times in the 12th century, destroyed and rebuilt after attacks by Gruffydd ap Rhys, Owain Gwynedd, and The Lord Rhys. Later, Maelgwn ap Rhys dismantled it to keep it from Llywelyn the Great. After Llywelyn captured the area, he gave the castle to the sons of Maelgwn’s brother Gruffudd. Visitors find the remains of the medieval timber castle among tall trees. The two mounds, platforms, and ditch are still visible. The woodland supports a variety of plants and flowers. The site overlooks the valley where the River Arth flows, offering quiet views of the surrounding countryside. The name Dinerth means ‘Fort Bear’ in Welsh, though it may come from the nearby river rather than Arthurian legend.