History of Newcastle Emlyn

The town started as small dwellings centred around the castle which was built by Meredith ap Rhys Gryg in 1240 but rebuilt again later. The ruins overlook the river on 3 sides after it was blown up by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. By the beginning of the 14th Century an increase in the population led to Emlyn being converted into an organized community and made a borough by royal charter, known as Newtown in Emlyn – Adpar also became a borough. Being a borough meant that they were able to trade and avoided paying certain taxes.

In 1349 the Black Death hit Wales and the depression continued until the town ceased to be thought of as a borough.

In 1895 the GW railway arrived in the town but later closed in 1952 to passengers. The station was demolished in 1966 and the diesel freight service ended in 1873.
Electricity arrived in 1907, introduced by a Swansea engineer.

Although there were once 33 public houses only around 6 or 7 remain in Newcastle Emlyn today. The town enjoys two annual fairs and a mart every Friday.

Newcastle Emlyn is conveniently located between the larger market towns of Cardigan and Lampeter and Carmarthen is only a short distance away and has a newly opened shopping development. The South West Wales coastline is a short car journey from the Hotel and has many glorious beaches, quaint villages and local wildlife, including dolphins often seen at Mwnt and Aberporth beaches.