Carmarthenshire in southwest Wales is a relatively large county, with varied landscapes, from the coast, which is largely sandy, and wooded, to high country at the edge of the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. The 25 mile-wide coastal region, bordered by Pembrokeshire to the west and Swansea to the east, is centred on two wide estuaries, of the rivers Tywi and Loughor; from here the land rises steadily to the north, across the main town of Carmarthen, to a remote and little-habited region in the northwest.
Carmarthen is thought to be the oldest town in Wales, long-established before the arrival of the Romans, for whom it became Moridunum; the sole major relic from this period is a well-preserved ampitheatre, one of only two in the country, the other being at Caerleon.
There are several substantial medieval castles in Carmarthenshire, a few by the coast and others inland, in particular three along or close to the River Towy: Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr and Dryslwyn. Two ruined abbeys are Talley, still quite impressive, and Whitland, of which little remains.
Carmarthen is thought to be the oldest town in Wales, long-established before the arrival of the Romans, for whom it became Moridunum; the sole major relic from this period is a well-preserved ampitheatre, one of only two in the country, the other being at Caerleon.
There are several substantial medieval castles in Carmarthenshire, a few by the coast and others inland, in particular three along or close to the River Towy: Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr and Dryslwyn. Two ruined abbeys are Talley, still quite impressive, and Whitland, of which little remains.
Historic Sites Substantial, imposing medieval castle on an isolated, cliff-lined limestone hill near the west edge of Brecon Beacons National Park Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Ruined medieval castle, largely complete, with a commanding position on top of a wooded ridge over looking the valley of the River Towy Rating: ★★★★★ |
 13th century castle of intricate design including three wards, atop an isolated limestone hill beside the River Towy Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Ruined church from a medieval monastery, of the Premonstratensian order, set in scenic, hilly land 7 miles north of Llandeilo Rating: ★★★★★ |
Landscapes Pair of shallow lakes occupying a glacial hollow, separated by a narrow patch of woodland containing a Norman motte Rating: ★★★★★ |