Carmarthen An Ancient Town And Great Place To Visit
Wales is the home of the ancient town of Carmarthen. The town has the title of the oldest town in Wales and it is located in the county of Carmarthenshire on the River Twiy. Along with the beautiful scenery of the countryside you can also see a real Roman amphitheater and a medieval castle. You can also ride a railway considered a heritage site.
During the Roman era Carmarthen was considered a sea fort which it is no longer because of the treacherous waters in the area. The Roman fort dates from AD 75 and it was mentioned by Ptolemy in some of his writings. The amphitheater was excavating in 1968 and is a great archaeological site for tourists to visit.
The Arthurian link to town is with Merlin, King Arthur's confidant and wizard. It is said that he was born in an old cave outside of the town and lived there when he was young. Mryddin means Merlin and there are many areas around town that carry that name.
This is an old market town and the market still takes place. It is an outdoor market and stalls are full of goodies that you will not find anywhere else. Vendors sell home grown organic vegetables, meats that are butchered right in town can be bought there, fish from the nearby ocean is sold and laver bread is made and sold there. You can also go shopping in town and enjoy the plethora of specialty shops. Enjoy the 80 pubs or take in the local food at a restaurant.
Nearby in the town of Llanarthne you will find the National Botanic Gardens of Wales that boasts the largest glasshouse in Britain. Laugharne Castle is situated nearby built in the twelfth century built with earthworks then built in stone during the 14th century. Take a ride on the Gwili Railway to see all the green scenery around town.
Probably the best site to see in town is the castle that over looks the River Twyi above the town. This castle was very large and must have been very impressive during its time. It must have been because it was attacked over and over again and every time it was rebuilt into a bigger and better castle. It was used as a prison at one time and now you can explore the walled castle connected with gate houses. During its early life it had several towers, gatehouses, a great hall, large kitchen, chapel and a dark dungeon.
You can stay in town or out in the country at the many inns, guest houses and hotels in the town. Hollybrook Inn is a 4 start hotel in town. It has 7 en suite guest rooms, a bar and a restaurant. The three star hotel in town is the Boars Head. The building is very old being constructed in the 17th century and there is a great restaurant on site. These are just a few of the nice places one can stay.
Come to Carmarthen to see the beautiful countryside and visit tourist attractions. There is much history to be explored in the area and the people love to have visitors. The Welsh language is spoken in this area and you will hear it all over town. Do not worry because most people also speak English.
