The present Carreg Cennen Castle was probably built from about 1283 under John Giffard, to whom Edward I granted it that year. A first masonry castle was probably built by the Lord Rhys, who died in 1197. The article describes a strongly walled and towered square court of local Carboniferous limestone, with six towers and a twin-towered gatehouse that served as the keep. Three drawbridges guarded the inner ward, and limestone cliffs protect the south.
A cave beneath the castle holds a freshwater spring. Owain Glyndŵr attacked with about 800 men in 1403 and damaged the walls but failed to take it. After the Battle of Mortimer's Cross the castle surrendered to the Yorkists and was slighted.
It passed into the guardianship of the Office of Works in 1932. Cadw maintains the ruin, which is Grade I listed.
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