The 1176 Eisteddfod hosted by Lord Rhys is considered the first official festival of Welsh literature and music.
The onsite Castle Green House is a Grade II listed Georgian villa built within the castle walls in the early 19th century.
Archaeological excavations revealed parts of the original 12th-century stone curtain wall that had been buried for centuries.
The castle transitioned from a military fortification to a private domestic residence over its 800-year history.
The site was once owned by the family of Admiral Jeremiah Simpson, who played a role in the naval history of the region.
The restoration project received significant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.
The castle walls are constructed from local slate and rubble masonry typical of West Wales medieval architecture.
Cardigan Castle is the site of the first recorded Eisteddfod, a Welsh cultural festival held there in 1176. The castle overlooks the River Teifi and serves as a Grade I listed structure. Its history dates back to the 12th century, beginning with wood and earth fortifications before the stone walls were erected by William Marshal. The property underwent a multi-million-pound restoration completed in 2015 to preserve the decaying medieval walls and the Georgian-era Castle Green House. The site functions as a multi-use heritage venue containing self-catering holiday accommodation, a restaurant, and exhibition spaces. It represents a significant point in Welsh history as the place where the Lord Rhys hosted the gathering of poets and musicians. The grounds feature a restored walled garden that preserves heritage varieties of plants. It is situated in the town of Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales.
From the riverfront path below the castle looking up at the restored curtain wall and the Georgian villa.
Explore the narrow wall walks for unique elevated perspectives of the River Teifi.
Check the events calendar for live music or open-air theater performances, which utilize the courtyard acoustics.
Allocate time to read the interactive exhibits in the interpretation center, which detail the site's transition from fortress to home.
Do not attempt to climb the unrestored sections of the outer walls, which are cordoned off for safety.
The site occasionally closes for private events or weddings; check the official website for restricted access days.
Wear sturdy, flat-soled shoes to navigate uneven medieval stone pathways and steep staircases.
