Following the death of his father Rhys ap Tewdwr in 1093, Deheubarth was taken over by the Normans, and Gruffydd spent much of his early years in exile in Ireland.
Efter fadern Rhys ap Tewdwrs död år 1093, erövrades Deheubarth av normanderna och Gruffydd tillbringade stora delar av sina första år i exil i Irland.