Wrexham On-line Tour

Chirk

The border town of Chirk stands on an escarpment above the point at which the Rivers Ceiriog and Dee meet.  Chirk's strategic position gave rise to a motte and bailey castle built by the Normans in the early 12th century. In 1310 the Marcher fortress of Chirk Castle was completed and today proudly guards the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley.  In the 19th century vital road, rail and canal links were developed. Chirk became a staging post on the London to Holyhead mail road, whilst the Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal reached Chirk in 1801. Today, Chirk has a main line railway connecting it to Chester and Shrewsbury with links to the intercity network. The splendid Aqueduct and parallel Viaduct spanning the Ceiriog Valley and linking Wales with England, are but a short walk from the town. Other local attractions include Chirk Castle, a modern Leisure Centre with swimming pool, Chirk Marina, and Golf Club.