An earth and timber castle, built around 1105, once stood here, but the only remaining part of the original is the motte beneath the keep. The castle was destroyed by Llywelyn the Great in 1215 but, by 1223, the castle was rebuilt completely in stone. The town was then walled, Carmarthen being among the first of the medieval walled towns in Wales. The gatehouse dates from the 15th century and is still visible, as is the keep, various walls and two towers (of the original five). In the 18th century John Nash was commissioned to design a prison inside the castle but today just one wall survives. More recently the County Hall was built within the castle grounds.
In 2001 there was an extensive restoration which led to the re-opening of the towers, and various structures and buildings which hid parts of the castle were removed.
It's well worth a visit today (I enjoyed seeing it recently) and easily found at the top of one of the pedestrianised shopping streets (start at WH Smith/BHS and go up the hill). Admission is free and it is open all year round. read more