Camarthenshire
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Laugharne
Sands
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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".
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Carreg
Cennan Castle
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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.
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Cenarth
Bridge
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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.
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Aberglasney
Gardens
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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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National
Botanic Gardens glasshouse
Photo courtesy NBG
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In
contrast, the National
Botanic Gardens are about as modern as you can get.
The main purpose of the garden is not to display fancy
blooms but to provide an educational facility for research,
sustainability and conservation. Plants were gathered
from 10 countries and five continents. The centrepiece
of the garden is the Great Glasshouse-the largest single
span glasshouse in the world at 328-ft (100m) long and
164-ft (50m) wide. It's not a tropical paradise but a
Mediterranean garden watching over the most endangered
species in the world.
The
traffic-free Millennium
Coastal Park cycle-way forms a scenic link in the
186-mile Celtic Trail which links major towns and attractions
in south Wales. It traverses the new Millennium Wetlands
reserves, a golf course, the new Millennium Quays, a seafront,
six fishing lakes, Bury Port Harbour and ends up at Pembrey
Country Park.
Pembrey
Country Park, an eight mile (13km) long sandy beach,
the Cefn Sidan Sands, is just down the road from Kidwelly.
This is a perfect family holiday spot with train rides,
golf and camping.
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Kidwelly
Castle
photo courtesy Cadw
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Kidwelly
Castle's substantial remains are a rebuilding of an
original 12th century castle on the same site. Overlooking
the tidal water of the River Gwendraeth, it kept guard
on the coast for the Normans and construction continued
off and on through the 16th century. In the 1500's it
belonged to the Tudors. A gatehouse constructed in the
1400's still stands in the town.
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Interior
of Dylan Thomas's House
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Its
once famous resident, the Welsh poet Dylan
Thomas, put the village of Laugharne on the map. He
is best known internationally for his play, "Under Milkwood".
His most famous poem is "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good
Night." An alcoholic, he died at the early age of 39.
He lived in the Boathouse, now a heritage centre, and
is buried at St Martin's Church in the town. There is
also a castle
in the village.
The
Museum
of the Welsh Woolen Industry provides an insight into
the woolen industry by displaying the techniques and technology
of yesterday and providing, at the same time, a working
woolen mill. The process from wool to cloth is demonstrated.
Visitors also learn about the community that was a vital
part of the mills.
Web
links to places mentioned in this section:
More information on Carmarthenshire:
Recommended B&B's
Tourist Information
Centres
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