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Cardigan, County of Ceredigion

Cardigan is situated on the Teifi Estuary, famous for salmon fishing and the ancient Welsh coracles - small boats made from wicker and tar that can be carried on a man's back.

Set in the far west of Wales, Cardigan is a busy market town with plenty of independent shops. There are delightful beaches such as: Mwnt, Poppit Sands and Gwbert; popular with dophins and seals. There are opportunities for sailing, motor cruising, canoing and windsurfing. Fishing is popular in the Teifi Estuary and beyond, into the Irish Sea. Fishing, both at sea and on the famous River Teifi, attracts people from all over the world.

This is good walking country too; The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs south from the town, whilst part of the Cardiganshire / Ceredigion Coastal Path runs from the town to Mwnt beach, with other sections being developed so that the whole of the Cardigan Bay coast will soon be accessible.

Cardigan is surrounded by picturesque scenery; to the north east, lie the mysterious Preseli Hills that contain burial cairns, Iron Age earthworks, and Carn Menyn where the Bluestones were hewn for building Stonehenge.
Alongside Carn Menyn is the Golden Road, an old route from Ireland to Wessex, an area we now know as the counties of Somerset, Wilstshire, Dorset and Hampshire. The Preseli Hills combine ancient history, mystery and beauty so making it a fascinating area to visit.

See also 'Places Towns & Cities - Preseli Hills'

The town lies within the Unitary Authority of Ceredigion, named after Ceredig, the son of Cuenedda, a Welsh Chieftain C. 418 AD.

In 1093, the town and castle of Cardigan was established by a Norman Warlord, Roger de Montgomery, 27 years after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Control of the castle didn't stay with the Norman's however, it switched back and forth between the Normans and Welsh leaders, including: Lord Rhys ap Gruffyd, Prince Owain of Powys, and Llywelyn the Great.

An Eisteddfod is a contest between musicians and poets, the first Eisteddfod was founded by Lord Rhys ap Gruffyd at Cardigan in 1176; the winners being awarded bardic chairs. The National and International Eisteddfods' continue very successfully to the present day.

Directions

Nearest towns: Fishguard, New Quay, Newcastle Emlyn.