The Iron Ring Castles of Wales

Looking for a unique travel experience that combines history, architecture and beautiful settings? Explore the raw magnificence of the “iron ring” castles of Gwynedd in Wales. Walk among stately grounds and tired stone corridors. Explore history in these amazing structures built by the English monarch Edward I. On conquering Wales in the late 13th century, he constructed a ring of four massive stone castles to surround Gwynedd, the last scrap of territory left to Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the Prince of Wales. These extravagant castles are confirmed World Heritage Sites and exemplify the colonization, defense tactics, and awe-inspiring military architecture seen throughout the reign of Edward I (1272-1307).

Caernarfon Castle

At the mouth of the Seiont River, this impressive edifice was constructed in 1283 as a military stronghold, a government seat, and a royal palace. The structure was purposefully designed after the walls of Constantinople, which had been labeled “the fairest that ever man saw” according to Welsh myth and legend. Complete with unique polygonal towers, battlements, and color-banded masonry, this imposing fortress overlooks the walled town of Caernarfon. The symbolic status of this castle was emphasized with the birth of the first English Prince of Wales, also the son of Edward I, and then again in 1969 with the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. Take a walk along the lofty, stone walls for a spectacular view of the beautiful landscaped grounds and the adjacent town buildings. Visit the exhibitions located in the twin-towered gatehouse. Explore Wale’s oldest regiment on site at the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Take an exhilarating plane tour of the castles of North West Wales and the mountains of Snowdonia. Caernarfon Air World, a museum exhibiting the history of planes and flight, offers sightseeing from the sky. Be sure to stop by the Green Wood Centre, set in the beautiful Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, where you can take traditional craft courses in woodwork or stay in wooden tents. Peruse the RCG Stained Glass Studio and shop for a variety of exquisite “tiffany style” creations such as lampshades, terrariums, chessboards, clocks, sun catchers, and more.

Conwy Castle

Experience the authentic medieval atmosphere as you explore this dark stoned fortress perched on a rock high above the Conwy Estuary. Constructed between 1283 and 1289, Conwy Castle displays massive military strength with a walls-within-walls design. Journey into the past as you observe the strategic curtain walls and the eight large powerful round towers. Visit the battlements and enjoy picturesque views of the sea, the mountains of Snowdonia, and the roofless structure of the castle’s 125-foot Great Hall below. Observe the sensational circuit of walls around the town spanning three quarters of a mile and incorporating twenty-two guard towers.

Conwy has many other intriguing attractions as well, including Bodysgallen Hall, which sits across the estuary and exhibits a watchtower that once was used as a signal place for the castle; the Conwy Suspension Bridge, completed in 1826 and spanning the River Conwy; and the Conwy Railway Bridge, a tubular bridge built for the Chester and Holyhead Railway in 1849 which remains in partial use today. Visit the 14th century Aberconwy House and the Plas Mawr (“Great Hall”) built between 1576 and 1585. An absolute must-see is the smallest house in Britain, measured at ten feet high and six feet wide.

Harlech Castle

Gaze over the dunes far below all the way out to Snowdonia in the distance from the top of this impressive late 13th century structure perched on a massive rock. Attackers had to conquer the vast rock before they could attempt to breach the powerful twin-towered gatehouse, as well as the many inner walls and towers beyond. A long siege was held at Harlech Castle during the Wars of the Roses, which inspired the song “Men of Harlech.” The castle’s battlements were formed out of a cliff face overlooking Tremadog Bay so that critical supplies could be delivered unhindered in times of siege. The walls still bear evidence of scorching from the conquest made by Owain Glyn Dwr in 1404.

Another interesting site is Criccieth Castle. Situated on a peninsula between two beaches, it began as a stronghold for the native Welsh princes but was later annexed by Edward I. Don’t miss out on this magnificent citadel overlooking Tremadog Bay. Take an excursion through the Snowdonia National Park, either walking, mountain biking, fishing, diving, or climbing. Visit the Cymer Abbey, Portmeirion Village, Llechwedd Slate Caverns and the Royal St. David’s Golf Club.

Beaumaris Castle

This unfinished masterpiece, located on the Island of Anglesey, was the last of the Edwardian “iron ring” castles to be built. Construction began in 1295; however, money and supplies dried up before the ramparts would reach their full heights. It is an amazing sight nevertheless, designed with symmetrical concentric walls-within-walls consisting of at least four lines of fortifications and surrounded partially by a water-filled moat. A protected tidal dock was created to allow supply ships to reach the castle in times of siege. Defensive elements of the castle include fourteen major obstacles, hundreds of arrow-slits in walls, and murder-holes, which are holes in the ceilings of passageways that allow defenders to fire upon invaders.

View the elegant Beaumaris Courthouse built in 1614 and the Beaumaris Gaol built in 1829. Stroll across Puffin Island and see the charming lighthouse. Visit Penmon, about three miles east of Beaumaris, and explore the Penmon Priory and St. Seiriol’s Well.

For more on exploring Wales, visit:
Wales Travel Guide
Wales Travel Map
Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
United Kingdom Travel Guide

Blogs from Realtravelers about Wales:

Traveling to Snowdonia with Kids by the Traveling Whitneys
North Wales by Deric
A Day Out in North Wales by Laureng85
Chepstow Castle, anyone? by Ktarver

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