Dolbadarn Castle

Point Of Interest

Contact

A4086, Llanberis, LL55 4UB, Wales

0800 464 0000

03457 48 49 50

cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/dolbadarn-castle?skip=1&lang=en

Description

Welsh castle and solitary guardian of Snowdonias Llanberis Pass. Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, native-built Dolbadarn Castle was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Most likely constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) in the late 12th or early 13th century, it stood watch over the strategic route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley. Today the site is dominated by the sturdy round tower, very different in style to the unmortared slate slabs which make up the castles curtain walls. Standing 50ft/15.2m high, the towers design was probably inspired by that of similar fortresses built by Llywelyns rivals in the borderlands of the southern Marches. Admission is free. Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site. There is a local authority paying public car park available across the road from the castle.

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Features

Location

Lat: 53.116636 Lng: -4.114342