Cilgerran Castle Castle
River gorge castle ruin overlooking the Teifi valley
Perched above the River Teifi, Cilgerran Castle offers Norman ruins and cliff-top views; visitors combine castle walks with kayaking and browsing village craft shops.
Cilgerran Castle at a Glance#
Address: Cilgerran Castle, Cilgerran, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire SA43 2UP, Wales, UK
Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/cilgerran-castle
Admission: Site free; donations welcomed
About Cilgerran Castle#
Cilgerran Castle is a medieval castle ruin located at Cilgerran on the River Teifi in West Wales. The site is notable for its dramatic cliff-top position above the river.
The remains include substantial curtain walls and a ruined keep set on a limestone promontory, with steep slopes down to the River Teifi on the riverside face. The setting creates strong riverside and valley views that are frequently noted by visitors and photographers.
The earliest fortification on the site was established in the Norman period; it was rebuilt in stone in the 13th century and was contested in the medieval Welsh-English border conflicts. Over subsequent centuries the castle fell into ruin and is preserved today as a scheduled ancient monument.
Cilgerran stands beside the River Teifi in western Wales, within Pembrokeshire’s historic border area and a short drive north of the town of Cardigan.
- River Teifi viewpoint: Sited above a steep bend in the River Teifi, the ruins dominate the local landscape and provide views along the river valley.
How to Get to Cilgerran Castle#
Cilgerran is about 10 km southeast of Cardigan. From Cardigan, take the A478 south and follow local roads. The castle is a short walk from the village; limited parking is available.
Tips for Visiting Cilgerran Castle#
- Photograph the castle from the riverbank below for the classic postcard view; the stone bridge makes a good foreground.
- Walk into the village to see how the castle's presence shaped local trade patterns - small shops and inns owe their locations to past foot traffic.
Best Time to Visit Cilgerran Castle#
Spring and summer are best for access and pleasant weather; autumn colors sharpen the river valley landscape.
Weather & Climate near Cilgerran Castle#
Cilgerran Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1004 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 102 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 73 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 78 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 59 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 59 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 65 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 84 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 87 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 11° | 108 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 11° | 5° | 113 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 107 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
