In the shadow of the castle
A proper boozer in the heart of Cardigan. Steeped in history, stocked with character, and standing proudly on the Teifi since longer than anyone cares to argue about.
The Castle Inn sits where it has always sat -- in the very heart of Cardigan, within a stone's throw of Cardigan Castle, site of the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176. The pub has absorbed centuries of this town's character into its walls.
Cardigan -- Aberteifi -- was once a thriving port town, a county seat, a crossroads of Welsh culture and commerce. The Castle Inn served then as it serves now: as the town's unofficial living room, a place where news is shared, arguments settled, and friendships cemented over properly poured pints.
This is not a gastropub. Not a wine bar. Not a concept. It is a pub, and proud of it. The kind of place where you walk in a stranger and leave knowing half the bar.
"Every town needs a pub that refuses to pretend to be anything other than what it is. Cardigan is lucky enough to have the Castle Inn."A Cardigan Regular
A proper selection. Local cask ales, Welsh spirits, and everything you need for a night well spent.
American Pale Ale, 4.3% -- Cardigan brewed
Strong bitter, 4.6% -- Carmarthenshire
Crisp session ale, 4.0% -- Pembrokeshire
Ask the bar -- it changes weekly
Madeira finish, Welsh gold
Botanical gin from Ceredigion, tonic, garnish
We favour Welsh breweries because they make brilliant beer, not because it is fashionable. Mantle Brewery is down the road in Cardigan. Bluestone is across in Pembrokeshire. Evan Evans has been going since 2004 in Llandeilo.
The Castle Inn has always championed local. When you drink here, you are supporting the same farming communities, the same hop growers, the same families who have called West Wales home for generations.
And when we cannot source it from Wales, we make sure it is worth the journey.
175ml / 250ml / bottle
Glass or bottle
Cordials, juices, mixers
"The best pubs don't need to explain themselves. You walk in, you understand, you stay."Bernard's Castle -- as the locals know it
Tuesday
Singers, poets, comedians -- all welcome. Bring your talent or just your ears. The stage is yours.
From 8:30pm
Thursday
Fiercely competitive, deeply fun. Teams of up to six. Cash prize for winners. No phones, no mercy.
Starts 8:00pm
Friday
Local bands and touring acts. Blues, folk, rock, and everything in between. Check Facebook for this week's line-up.
From 9:00pm
Saturday
Sport on the screens. Live music after dark. The biggest night in Cardigan's week, reliably.
All day into the night
Sunday
Roasts from noon. Acoustic background music. The kind of Sunday afternoon you will not want to leave.
12:00 - 5:00pm
Special Events
Bank holidays, St David's Day celebrations, Halloween parties, and more. Follow our Facebook for announcements.
See Facebook for details
Proper old-school pub. Friendly locals, great beer, and the kind of atmosphere you simply cannot manufacture. We wandered in after visiting the castle and ended up staying all afternoon.
Visitors from Birmingham
The quiz nights are legendary. Been coming for years and the standard never drops. Staff are brilliant and the ales are always well kept.
A Cardigan Regular
Live music on a Friday night in the Castle Inn is one of the best nights out in West Wales. The sound is great, the crowd is up for it, and the pints are affordable. Cannot ask for more.
Music Lovers from Aberystwyth
My go-to pub when I am in Cardigan. Unpretentious, welcoming, and they do not try to be something they are not. Just a genuinely great boozer.
A returning visitor
Dog-friendly, walker-friendly, friendly-friendly. Stopped after a long coastal path stretch and got exactly the reception we needed.
Coastal Path Hikers
Open daily. Come early for food, come late for the craic. Kitchen hours may vary seasonally -- check Facebook for the latest.
Address
Castle Inn
Cardigan
Ceredigion, SA43
West Wales
Social
Getting Here
In the heart of Cardigan town centre, steps from the castle. On-street parking available. Bus routes serve Cardigan from Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, and Haverfordwest.
Good to Know
Dogs welcome. Live sport shown. Private functions available -- email us to discuss.
For upcoming events, live music announcements, and the occasional argument about who makes the best cawl in Ceredigion -- follow us on Facebook.
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