Dryslwyn Castle

Dryslwyn Castle is a ruined castle constructed of limestone rubble. The castle’s remains are concentrated within the inner ward, located to the southwest, its shape dictated by the hilltop’s contours. More limited remains are visible to the northeast, representing the middle and outer wards. The original curtain wall of the early 13th century inner ward stands up to 1 meter high. On the east side, a portion of the curtain wall was remodelled in the late 13th century, incorporating a garderobe accessed by stone steps and featuring two shafts. A remodelled 13th-century gatehouse is situated at the northeast corner; steps leading to a wall walk survive partially. While the gatehouse is present only at foundation level, the portcullis slot remains visible, and the passage is cobbled. Attached to the south side of the gatehouse and the east side of the curtain wall is a round tower, the original keep, positioned on the highest ground. Originally, access to the keep was via external steps built above a broad northwest buttress, leading to a first-floor entrance. A doorway with a segmental stone head, opening to the undercroft, is a later addition. Situated on the south side, overlooking the Tywi valley, is a projecting chapel at what would have been first-floor level, with remains of three lancet windows. A postern gate in the original curtain wall provided entry to the chapel at a lower level. To the west is a battered wall, returning at the west end, belonging to a former two-storey apartment block built outside the original curtain wall. This block has two pointed windows in the lower storey, and the jamb and embrasure of a third, with a single similar opening surviving in the upper storey, alongside the jamb and embrasure of a second opening. Within the inner ward are the foundations of the original great hall and Maredudd’s mid-13th century hall, positioned at right angles on its east side. The original great hall is visible at basement level and includes a segmental-headed doorway in the north wall, a former narrow window to its left, and a stone foundation marking the location of the hall fireplace in the center. The outline of a small prison is located along the north side of the great hall. The middle and outer walls are represented by limited masonry, predominantly linked to the middle and outer gates; the northeast gatehouse exhibits stone steps leading to a former wall walk.