Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle was the first stone castle built by a Welshman - the Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd. To mark its completion in 1176 he held a special celebration of music and poetry which is recognised as the First Eisteddfod - an important cultural festival which is still held in Wales every year.
Unlike most other castles in Wales, Cardigan Castle has been lived in continuously for 900 years and bears the marks of many ages ranging from medieval and Civil War right through to the Georgian, Victorian eras and up to the present day with the award-winning 21st century restaurant.
The castle, house and grounds have been brought back to life after falling into dereliction and disrepair from the 1940s.
For nearly half a century the castle was a crumbling eyesore in the middle of town. A long running public campaign started in the late 1990s to restore this fascinating site, finally achieving its aim with the help of £12m Heritage Lottery funding and European grants in 2015.
Unlike most other castles in Wales, Cardigan Castle has been lived in continuously for 900 years and bears the marks of many ages ranging from medieval and Civil War right through to the Georgian, Victorian eras and up to the present day with the award-winning 21st century restaurant.
The castle, house and grounds have been brought back to life after falling into dereliction and disrepair from the 1940s.
For nearly half a century the castle was a crumbling eyesore in the middle of town. A long running public campaign started in the late 1990s to restore this fascinating site, finally achieving its aim with the help of £12m Heritage Lottery funding and European grants in 2015.
