Castell Aberlleiniog

Castell Aberlleiniog is a medieval castle near Llangoed that sits atop a mound with fortified earthworks. The stone keep features three standing towers surrounded by a broad dry ditch that once offered additional protection.

This fortification was built around 1088 as an outpost of conquest and saw fierce fighting in its early decades. Over time it was rebuilt from timber into stone, only to be deliberately dismantled in the 17th century.

The fortress stands as a reminder of how outsiders sought to control Welsh lands through military might and strategic positioning. Walking around the ruins, visitors sense the tensions that shaped this corner of the island.

The ruins are reached through woodland paths marked from Llangoed village, making them relatively easy to find on foot. The location sits within reach of other attractions including a lighthouse and seabird island, offering multiple reasons to explore the area.

The castle was deliberately torn down in the 17th century by an official from a nearby fortification rather than being repaired or maintained. This act of destruction preserved it as a ruin, quite different from other similar structures that were restored.