Discover history and mythology above award- winning beaches
Built on an outcrop of glacial deposit and originally surrounded by a salt marsh, this stronghold is believed to have been constructed around 2500 years ago. It once consisted of a double bank and ditch with stone ramparts up to 6 metres (20 feet) high. The inner rampart was probably originally topped by a strong timber fence, and the single entrance at the south-east probably had a surrounding timber structure. Coastal erosion has destroyed half of the original enclosure. Magnificent views of the Llŷn Peninsula and the west side of Anglesey can be enjoyed from Dinas Dinlle.
The site has never been properly excavated. However, casual finds of Roman coins dating to AD 253–296, along with other objects such as a sherdof black burnished pottery, indicate occupation in the late Roman period. Small depressions within the enclosure are thought to be the sites of Iron Age roundhouses. The fort is now a National Trust property, freely open for visits, and has an interpretation panel on site.
Dinas Dinlle is associated with the medieval Mabinogi tale of 'Math fab Mathonwy', where it is the childhood home of Lleu Llaw Gyffes, ‘Lleu of the skilful hand’, from whom it takes its name – ‘The city of the fort of Lleu’. Lleu is an incarnation of the Celtic deity Lugus. Several other places nearby also feature in the tales, including Morfa Dinlle (the sand dunes to the north), Maen Dylan (a large stone on the shore to the south) and Caer Arianrhod (an off-shore reef to the south).
Dinas Dinlle provides an important visible link to prehistory and legend.
Free Entry
Off the A499 follow signs for Llandwrog / Dinas Dinlle / Caernarfon Airport
Bangor - 15 miles
Bus stop at Dinas Dinlle
On road cycling
Site is next to the beach carpark
Wooden boardwalk /footpath. Moderate climb. Dogs must be on lead. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 437565 OS Landranger map sheet: 115