The castle was started in Norman times in the early 12th century, and is one of the most picturesquely sited monuments in Wales. It lies a few miles south-east of Cardigan perched high up on a rocky promontory overlooking the river Teifi, which here flows in a deep gorge.
In spite of the obvious advantages, the castle was never an easy site to retain; it was lost and re-won many times.
Cilgerran is signposted off the A487 approximately two miles south of Cardigan.