Cardigan is a town located in the western part of Wales along the River Teifi in the county of Ceredigion. With a history dating back to the 11th century, Cardigan's location near the Welsh coast provided it with a rich history, spectacular scenery and an outstanding cultural heritage.
The town of Cardigan gained prominence as a fishing village and seaport and by the early 19th century it had a busier port than either Cardiff or Swansea. Cardigan was also the location of the first National Eisteddfod, the Welsh festival of arts and music. That heritage is still in existence today in Cardigan as the town has seen a resurgence of arts, music and performance.
Today the area around Cardigan has a wealth of attractions that showcases the heritage of the town and the natural beauty of the area. The Teifi River Trail is 4.5-mile trail that follows the river and meanders through the marshes of the Teifi River Estuary providing visitors ample vistas for bird watching. Those walking and cycling on the trails will enjoy the beauty and wildlife found in the Teifi Valley.
Several beaches are located along the coast near Cardigan. These areas located among the beautiful scenic waters and dramatic cliffs provide outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for boating, swimming, sunbathing and a variety of watersports. Many of these beaches and coastal areas still retain their unspoiled and natural beauty which have not been impacted by modern development. Near the coast and not far from town is the Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park. It is home to grey seals, bottlenose dolphins, seals and animals that include llamas, wallabies, rheas and a variety of farm animals.
Cardigan Castle was the site of the first National Eisteddfod that was held in 1176. However, the castle located near the Castle Street Bridge has been neglected over the years and is due for restoration. Although it is not open to the public, it is worth driving past just to glimpse a reminder of the castle's historical significance. For those wishing to tour a castle, Cilgerran Castle located about 3 miles away in the nearby village of Cilgerran is open to the public.
The talents of the town's craftsmen and artists offer visitors a chance to experience Cardigan at its best. Theatr Mwldan is one of Cardigan's most prominent cultural institutions. The award-winning theater hosts drama, dance, music, cinema, comedy and open-air productions it the summer. It also has an art gallery and educational programs to support the local artists in the Cardigan area. The Cardigan Heritage Centre is a museum that highlights the history of the Cardigan area. With interactive displays for kids, the museum lies just across the Cardigan Bridge from the town centre.
Other cultural and artistic offerings are provided in the town center by the local artists and craftsmen. They can be found at places such as the Guildhall, Pendre Art Gallery, Custom House Shop and Gallery, Cardigan Indoor Market and others.
For those desiring to move to Cardigan, the town offers new residents a unique place to live. For a town of its size it offers a hospital, college campus, golf course, public transportation and other facilities to meet the needs of its citizens. Coleg Ceredigion is a further education institution that has a campus in Cardigan. It offers instruction in Welsh and in English.
Tourism is now a major aspect of Cardigan's economy and focus. Several small hotels, bed and breakfasts, quaint cottages and other establishments provide the ideal accommodations for those wishing to make Cardigan a travel destination. The combination of its historic heritage, quaint charm, scenic beauty and the arts help to make Cardigan a great town to visit and to live.
Check out the following links if you're visiting the county of ceredigion and looking to rent a property in cardigan.
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