Introducing Harlech

Sleepy Harlech is best known for the mighty, grey-stone towers of its castle, framed by gleaming Tremadog Bay and with the mountains of Snowdonia as a backdrop. Some sort of fortified structure has probably surmounted the rock since Iron Age times, but Edward I removed all traces when he commissioned the construction of the castle. Harlech was also the destination of the ships of Matholwch, who sailed with his armies from Ireland in the tales of the Mabinogion .

Today Harlech is a small town with a smattering of antique shops, but it lacks overall infrastructure. Most visitors come for the castle and a stroll on the beach in fine weather. It’s not such a good base, however, so grab a coffee, visit the castle, and then best move on.