Discovering Dolgellau
Arts & Culture
Dolgellau has a thriving music scene and is home to Sesiwn Fawr (Big Session), one of Wales' longest running folk music festivals which takes place in July in venues across the town.
A predominantly Welsh-speaking town, the language and culture permeate everyday life and are reflected in the folklore, poetry, music and food for which the town is famous.
This is the National Centre for Welsh Folk Music and is a great venue for local music and events.
The ground floor is home to Celf Aran Arts, a co-ooerative of talented local artists and makers whose work is inspired by their amazing surroundings. Its the perfect place to pick up gifts and souvenirs of your trip.
Ty Siamas
This is the National Centre for Welsh Folk Music and is a great venue for local music and events.
The ground floor is home to Celf Aran Arts, a co-ooerative of talented local artists and makers whose work is inspired by their amazing surroundings. Its the perfect place to pick up gifts and souvenirs of your trip.
Nightlife
For a small town, Dolgellau is blessed with some great places to eat and drink. Most are small family run establishments who go out of their way to provide fabulous local food and a warm Welsh welcome.
Here are some of our favourites:
One of our favourite places in Dolgellau, this lovely wine shop, deli and gallery is run by Dylan and Llinos Rowlands, who not only are passionate about the wines they sell but also have an extensive knowledge of the area.
Their open-air courtyard or private rooms are the perfectplaces to try out their selection of wines or Welsh tipples. And the best bit? If you find a wine you can't live without, they deliver!
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Gwin Dylanwad Wine
One of our favourite places in Dolgellau, this lovely wine shop, deli and gallery is run by Dylan and Llinos Rowlands, who not only are passionate about the wines they sell but also have an extensive knowledge of the area.
Their open-air courtyard or private rooms are the perfectplaces to try out their selection of wines or Welsh tipples. And the best bit? If you find a wine you can't live without, they deliver!
A former railway inn, The George III has an enviable position on the Mawddach estuary, right next to the rickety-looking tollbridge which connects the north and south bank.
Refurbished in recent years, it includes a restaurant, elevated outdoor terrace and cosy cellar bar, although most visitors prefer to sit on the wall outside to make the most of the stunning views.
It's the perfect re-fuelling point on a walk or cycle ride along the Mawddach trail to Barmouth
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George III Hotel
A former railway inn, The George III has an enviable position on the Mawddach estuary, right next to the rickety-looking tollbridge which connects the north and south bank.
Refurbished in recent years, it includes a restaurant, elevated outdoor terrace and cosy cellar bar, although most visitors prefer to sit on the wall outside to make the most of the stunning views.
It's the perfect re-fuelling point on a walk or cycle ride along the Mawddach trail to Barmouth
Under new management, the Stag Inn is undergoing a transformation to become one of the coolest places to enjoy a tipple in town. With a heated outdoor terrace, extensive selection of local ales and menu of artisan pies, it is friendly, unpretensious and welcoming.
Stag Inn
Bridge StreetUnder new management, the Stag Inn is undergoing a transformation to become one of the coolest places to enjoy a tipple in town. With a heated outdoor terrace, extensive selection of local ales and menu of artisan pies, it is friendly, unpretensious and welcoming.
About the Town
Dolgellau is a small market town whose fortunes were first established during the American Civil War as a centre for the production for the woolllen cloth used in Confederate Army uniforms. Evidenceof thid connection can still be seen today in the numerous grand merchants' residences and tall, narrow weaving houses which dot the town.
The Welsh Gold Rush further cemented the town's fortunes as the hilss around the town are rich in gold, silver, copper and iron ore. Gold extraction in local mines continued until the 1980's, when the gold seams became too difficult to access, although there are plans afoot to re-open one of the mines and to re-instate the secretive visitor trips to observe the process.
As a result of this wealth, Dolgellau is a very beautiful town with a wealth of buildings of architctural and historical interest. The Town Trail guides visitors through some of it's more interesting features and points out many of the 200+ listed buildings (more than any other town in the UK), including the gates to Ffynnon.
Once the county town of Meirionnydd, today, Dolgellau's fortunes are founded on agriculture and a thriving tourist industry. Situated at the foot of the Cader Idris mountain range, yet only a few miles from some of Cardigan Bay's best Blue Flag beaches, it is the perfect peaceful base from which to explore Snowdonia.
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Dolgellau
Dolgellau is a small market town whose fortunes were first established during the American Civil War as a centre for the production for the woolllen cloth used in Confederate Army uniforms. Evidenceof thid connection can still be seen today in the numerous grand merchants' residences and tall, narrow weaving houses which dot the town.
The Welsh Gold Rush further cemented the town's fortunes as the hilss around the town are rich in gold, silver, copper and iron ore. Gold extraction in local mines continued until the 1980's, when the gold seams became too difficult to access, although there are plans afoot to re-open one of the mines and to re-instate the secretive visitor trips to observe the process.
As a result of this wealth, Dolgellau is a very beautiful town with a wealth of buildings of architctural and historical interest. The Town Trail guides visitors through some of it's more interesting features and points out many of the 200+ listed buildings (more than any other town in the UK), including the gates to Ffynnon.
Once the county town of Meirionnydd, today, Dolgellau's fortunes are founded on agriculture and a thriving tourist industry. Situated at the foot of the Cader Idris mountain range, yet only a few miles from some of Cardigan Bay's best Blue Flag beaches, it is the perfect peaceful base from which to explore Snowdonia.
Welsh Food Scene
Being surrounded by mountains and close to the sea means Dolgellau has access to some of the best local foods Wales has to offer. Salt Marsh lamb from the estuary, Mawddach honey, Sewin (sea trout) and Welsh black beef are all staples of local dining whilst artisan cheeses, preserves, beers and spirits can all be found on the doorstep.
Finally, a visit to Dolgellau is not complete without a Honey Bun, a local delicacy much competed over in the annual Honey Bun championships.
A beautiful, small hotel with a cosy bar and intriguing cellar restaurant. Formerly the county gaol, the restaurant is one of the best in the area and serves a wonderful selction of home-made dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients. The rich fish pie and fruit crumble tart are to die for!
Y Meirionnydd
Smithfield SquareA beautiful, small hotel with a cosy bar and intriguing cellar restaurant. Formerly the county gaol, the restaurant is one of the best in the area and serves a wonderful selction of home-made dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients. The rich fish pie and fruit crumble tart are to die for!
This is where you will find the best honey buns (a true Dolgellau delicacy) in the area as Meinir, the owner, inherited the original recipe used by generations of Dolgellau bakers. her range of cakes, pastries and fabulous packed lunches are also the perfect fare for a day exploring the hills.
Popty'r Dref
Smithfield StreetThis is where you will find the best honey buns (a true Dolgellau delicacy) in the area as Meinir, the owner, inherited the original recipe used by generations of Dolgellau bakers. her range of cakes, pastries and fabulous packed lunches are also the perfect fare for a day exploring the hills.
If you like tapas, you'll love this place!
Combining Spanish flavours with Welsh produce, this is the perfect destination for a relaxed evening with delicious, fresh food, friendly service and a Mediterranean courtyard in which to enjoy it all.
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Tafarn Y Gader
Smithfield StreetIf you like tapas, you'll love this place!
Combining Spanish flavours with Welsh produce, this is the perfect destination for a relaxed evening with delicious, fresh food, friendly service and a Mediterranean courtyard in which to enjoy it all.
This has to be one of the best located restaurants in Wales. Situated on the Mawddach estuary, with stunning views of the Cader Idris range, it has real wow factor and is an absolute must!
Operated by brothers Wil and Ifan Dunn and their families, the menu has changed in recent years from fine dining to Neopolitan style pizzas but is no less of an experience.
Advocates of Welsh food, each dish is freshly prepared to order and features imaginative combinations of locally sourced ingredients.
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Mawddach Restaurant
This has to be one of the best located restaurants in Wales. Situated on the Mawddach estuary, with stunning views of the Cader Idris range, it has real wow factor and is an absolute must!
Operated by brothers Wil and Ifan Dunn and their families, the menu has changed in recent years from fine dining to Neopolitan style pizzas but is no less of an experience.
Advocates of Welsh food, each dish is freshly prepared to order and features imaginative combinations of locally sourced ingredients.
Shop Til You Drop
Dolgellau's range of quirky, independant shops is the perfect antidote to the high street. Whilst not extensive, it includes some fabulous food shops, gorgeous gift shops and quality clothing stores, all offering a warm welcome and friendly, personal service.
This place is an institution and ahs been in the dame family for generations. Present incumbent Richard and his team are friendly, knowledgeable and make the best faggots in the area. Their selection of sausages and locally sourced meat make any mealtime special.
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Roberts Bros
Bridge StreetThis place is an institution and ahs been in the dame family for generations. Present incumbent Richard and his team are friendly, knowledgeable and make the best faggots in the area. Their selection of sausages and locally sourced meat make any mealtime special.
A shopper's dream, Gwyndy offers a fabulous range of stylish quality clothing and gifts alongside a gorgeous tearoom. Their fashion shows and supper-clubs are a mst if you're in the area.
Gwyndy
Bridge StreetA shopper's dream, Gwyndy offers a fabulous range of stylish quality clothing and gifts alongside a gorgeous tearoom. Their fashion shows and supper-clubs are a mst if you're in the area.
One of Dolgellau's destination stores, Medi has built a reputation for one of the most extensive ranges of artisan Welsh products available. The owner, Nia, has an eye for design and has carefully curated a gorgeous selection of homewares and gifts as well as creating beautiful pieces of hand-painted heirloom furniture.
Medi
Bridge StreetOne of Dolgellau's destination stores, Medi has built a reputation for one of the most extensive ranges of artisan Welsh products available. The owner, Nia, has an eye for design and has carefully curated a gorgeous selection of homewares and gifts as well as creating beautiful pieces of hand-painted heirloom furniture.
Waterloo is a card and gift shop with a difference. Boasting one of the widest ranges of cards anywhere, the owner Amanda goes out her way to source those bits and pieces unavailable elsewhere. From candles to chocolate, toys to rugby strips, you'll find it all here.
She's also an antiques expert and will gladly take you to browse her incredible collection at her other shop Deryn Du.
Waterloo
Bridge StreetWaterloo is a card and gift shop with a difference. Boasting one of the widest ranges of cards anywhere, the owner Amanda goes out her way to source those bits and pieces unavailable elsewhere. From candles to chocolate, toys to rugby strips, you'll find it all here.
She's also an antiques expert and will gladly take you to browse her incredible collection at her other shop Deryn Du.
Our Favourites Further Afield
We love where we live and have spent many hours exploring the area. With so much to see and do on the doorstep, it can sometimes be hard to know where to start, so here are some of our favourites to help you make the most of your time here.
Quirky and cosmopolitan, Machynlleth is the heart of the alternative movement in Mid Wales and the location of the nearest mainline railway station.
Situated in one of the UK's few biospheres, the town is fun, colourful and, on a Wednesday, home to one of the best street markets in the area. Combine with a visit to Corris Craft Centre or the Centre for Alternative Technology for a great day out.
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Machynlleth station
Heol Y DollQuirky and cosmopolitan, Machynlleth is the heart of the alternative movement in Mid Wales and the location of the nearest mainline railway station.
Situated in one of the UK's few biospheres, the town is fun, colourful and, on a Wednesday, home to one of the best street markets in the area. Combine with a visit to Corris Craft Centre or the Centre for Alternative Technology for a great day out.
If you love art, architecture, beaches and good food, you'll love this place.
Home to an ever changing programme of exhibitions by contemporary Welsh artists, it's one of the most relaxing places to be and one of the place we bolt to on wet days. A browse in the gallery, followed by afternoon tea and a walk on Llanbedrog beach with it's colourful beach huts is truly inspiring.
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Plas Glyn y Weddw Gallery
If you love art, architecture, beaches and good food, you'll love this place.
Home to an ever changing programme of exhibitions by contemporary Welsh artists, it's one of the most relaxing places to be and one of the place we bolt to on wet days. A browse in the gallery, followed by afternoon tea and a walk on Llanbedrog beach with it's colourful beach huts is truly inspiring.
Everyone know Harlech for its magnificent castle, but we love it for its range of gorgeous independant shops, cafes, beaches and walks. For us, no visit to the town is complete without coffee at The Blue Lion cafe or honeycomb ice-cream from Hufenfa'r Castell.
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Harlech
Everyone know Harlech for its magnificent castle, but we love it for its range of gorgeous independant shops, cafes, beaches and walks. For us, no visit to the town is complete without coffee at The Blue Lion cafe or honeycomb ice-cream from Hufenfa'r Castell.
Unchanged, wild and remote, Castell y Bere is a true Welsh castle and the last stronghold of Llewelyn, the last prince of Wales. Nestled on a hill-top in the shadow of the Cader Idris range, it oozes history and a sense of place. Standing in the ruins, you can't help but imagine what it would have been like to watch the invading armies advancing from the sea.
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Castell y Bere
Unchanged, wild and remote, Castell y Bere is a true Welsh castle and the last stronghold of Llewelyn, the last prince of Wales. Nestled on a hill-top in the shadow of the Cader Idris range, it oozes history and a sense of place. Standing in the ruins, you can't help but imagine what it would have been like to watch the invading armies advancing from the sea.
This is by far the best beach ever!
Largely undiscovered, it is accessed via a narrow lane, then a beautiful boardwalk which sweeps across the dunes to the beach. With views across Cardigan Bay to the south and the Llen peninsula to the west, it is idyllic. And there's not a donkey or kiss-me-quick hat in sight.
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Benar Beach
This is by far the best beach ever!
Largely undiscovered, it is accessed via a narrow lane, then a beautiful boardwalk which sweeps across the dunes to the beach. With views across Cardigan Bay to the south and the Llen peninsula to the west, it is idyllic. And there's not a donkey or kiss-me-quick hat in sight.