Carmarthenshire - The Garden of Wales Wales

Carmarthenshire has a variety of scenic attractions. In the north and central areas gentle green hills and valleys reign, while the southern part encompasses a coastline of cliffs and sands: the Cefn Sands, the Laugharne Sands and the Pendine Sands of Carmarthen Bay. Two river valleys, the Teifi-part of Brecon Beacons National Park-and the Tywi, provide wooded gorges. Wherever you go there is something of interest.

The Dan-yr-Ogof showcaves is the largest showcave complex in Northern Europe. Two curious men accidentally discovered it. There is much still waiting to be explored in this huge complex. The site, located on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park, is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest".

Carreg Cennan Castle
Carreg Cennan Castle, near Llandeilo, is situated atop a precipitous limestone crag 300 feet (100 m.) above the valley floor. A climb from the valley is necessary to reach it, but the views over the green hills and countryside are worth it. Originally a Welsh site, it was conquered by Edward I. What we see today survives from the 14th century. Both the English and Welsh held the castle during the medieval period.

The Dolaucothi Gold Mines, a scheduled ancient monument, are located just outside the village of Pumsaint. The Romans removed over ½ million ton of rock-the rolling ground and humps in the landscape resulted-leaving behind chasms and pits where they mined the gold veins. The Romans left in the 4th century, leaving barracks, bathhouses and other town remains. There was a short burst of underground mining in the 1930's that didn't last.

Cenarth Bridge
Cenarth is a small village of historical buildings, including a medieval mill (non-functioning) and pub (still dispensing). The bridge over the River Teifi allows for great views of the low falls. The National Coracle Centre tells the fascinating history of coracles, a fascinating mode of river transportation. In the past men made a living fishing the river. Today, coracle races and the beauty of the village are the main attractions.


Aberglasney Gardens
Aberglasney, a garden "lost in time", is a fascinating site in the process of restoration. Set in the beautiful Tywi Valley, the garden and the decayed mansion on the site were abandoned to the elements until re-discovered. The house and property passed through various hands over the centuries until, around 1950, it became vacant. Now owned by a trust, the gardens are being restored, but the mansion is past renewal and mostly roofless. One of the interesting features is a yew tunnel planted in the 18th century. A cloister garden parapet allows you to walk along the top of the walls for views over the garden below. It's quite an atmospheric spot.

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