Dolbadarn Castle North Wales

UK Castles: Dolbadarn Castle

Jake Davies

Though not much remains of Dolbadarn Castle, a 13th century Welsh fortress, its dramatic and desolate location as well as its cylindrical keep make it evocative enough to have been the subject of a painting by Turner as well as numerous other artists.

The view out of one of the windows of Dolbadarn Castle in Wales. — The view out of one of the windows of Dolbadarn Castle in Wales

With Snowdonia as a backdrop, the ancient castle of Dolbadarn guards the Llanberis Pass. — With Snowdonia as a backdrop, the ancient castle of Dolbadarn guards the Llanberis Pass

History

The castle was built by Llywelyn the Great (1173-1240) in the early decades of the 13th century. Previously the Welsh had not built castles, but began with the advance of the English kings into Wales. Dolbadarn was built at Llanberis Pass on an important route from Caernarfon into what is now Snowdonia.

Llywelyn started out as the Prince of Gwynedd, but by his death had come to rule over most of Wales. His grandson, also called Llywelyn but often to referred to as Llywelyn the Last, took power in 1255 and is believed to have used the castle as a prison for his brother for more than twenty years.

The cylindrical keep of Dolbadarn Castle still stands after more than 800 years. — The cylindrical keep of Dolbadarn Castle still stands after more than 800 years

In 1282 what is known as the Second War of Welsh Independence broke out against Edward I. Llywelyn was killed early on and his younger brother Dafydd took over but he too was captured and executed in 1283.

To suppress any further revolt Edward began constructing a series of magnificent castles and walled towns in the area and timber from Dolbadarn Castle was removed and used in the construction of Caernarfon Castle.

Little is known of the castle's later history though it was probably used as a residence. The external stairway into the keep was added later. Probably the castle fell into ruin by the end of the 18th century.

Dolbadarn Castle, North Wales. — After eight centuries the masonry of Dolbadarn Castle has stood the test of time

Keep

The only structure remaining is the circular keep which is about 14 meters high though was probably a little higher originally.

The walls of the keep are 8 feet thick. The castle comprised a curtain wall about 5 meters in height and also a couple of smaller towers. Only the foundations of some of these structures remain. The castle was built out of local slate with the main keep using mortar, but the other walls and structures probably without.

The external stone staircase was a later addition to Dolbadarn Castle. — The external stone staircase was a later addition to the 13th Century Dolbadarn Castle

Access & Hours

Located in Llanberis
A4086, Caernarfon LL55 4UB
Tel: 01443 336000

The castle is open from 10 am to 4 pm, closed over Christmas. Entry is free.

The closest railway station is Bangor, 9 miles away. Bangor has connections to Wrexham General and Shrewsbury via Llandudno Junction. There are also local trains to Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Flint and Chester Station in Chester.

Some services extend to Birmingham International Station in Birmingham and Cardiff Central in Cardiff as well as across Anglesey over the Brittania Bridge to Holyhead.

Nearby

Nearby attractions include Beaumaris Castle, the Menai Bridges and Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrngogogoch Station.

Llanberis has various and plentiful accommodation options.

These include the elegant, three-star Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia at the foot of Mount Snowdon. The 30-acre grounds include the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle.

Also three stars is the Padarn Hotel with free WiFi, a sports bar and a popular bistro serving both vegetarian and gluten-free dishes if preferred.

Alpine Lodge Guest House has family-size rooms complete with flat-screen TV, free WiFi and free parking for guests.

See a listing on hotels in and around Llanberis