On a small hill near Barmouth`s harbour stands an unusual, small, round building. Built in 1834, when Barmouth was a busy port, it served as a place to detain petty offenders before they were sent to court in nearby Dolgellau. More frequently, the Round House was used to lock-up disorderly drunks until they were sober. It was divided into two cells of equal size, one for men and one for women. The lock-up was last used in 1861, but the building is well preserved and provides a fascinating insight into Barmouth`s past.