Castell Henllys Hillfort is an Iron Age inland promontory fort built on a natural headland with steep slopes to the south, east & west, down to the small river below which would have provided freshwater to the hillfort. To the gentler northern side is the defended entrance where there are significant earthworks in the shape of ditches and banks. Inside these fortifications you will find superb reconstructed round houses of those that once existed between 500 and 100 years BC. The hillfort covers just over an acre, compared to the massive 47 acres of Maiden Castle hillfort in Dorest. Thorough excavations of the site over the past 20 years have revealed how massive and complex the defences were, particularly the more vulnerable gateway end, going through several phases of rebuilding and construction. A section of the original dry stone wall more than 2,000 years old has been excavated and can be seen on the east side of the defences. A large and very rare hoard of slingshots was found behind the ramparts near the entrance, reflecting the violent times and need for such hillforts.

One of the most unusual and very rare defensive findings located in front of the hillfort entrance is a 'cheveaux-de-frise', a kind of prehistoric barbed wire, which was very effective at stopping cavalry and chariots, which would have entangled would be attackers at the point they were in slingshot range. This feature is common in France or Spain, but relatively unknown in Britain.

The 'llys' part of the name means 'palace' or 'court', reflecting the chief's high status.

A visit to Castell Henllys provides a unqiue and important insight of the buildings that would have occupied many other hillforts you would have visited and how the occupants would have lived. On a warm sunny day the reconstricted round houses and their interiors feel more akin to a settlement in sub-Sahara African than Wales! For those who want to learn more how they lived there are regular guided talks and tours of the settlement. Excellent facilities such as gift shop, cafe and parking nearby provides a really good experience for any visitor. The site is well signposted off the A487 between Cardigan and Newport.