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Around Cardiganshire (Ceredigion)
Cardigan (Aberteifi)
Dolphins Shopping Churches Museum Theatre Heritage Centre
The market town of Cardigan is situated on the river Teifi, about one-and-a-half miles from the coast, and is on of the most historic in Wales. It was the birthplace of the National Eisteddfod and is an important cultural centre.
In the 19th century it was a seaport of some importance, but today small craft and the odd fishing boat are all that occupy the river.
There’s plenty of Guest Houses and Restaurants, along with hotels and sports facilities to entice the visitor.
Just across the river can be found the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and its beautiful coastal walks and the Welsh Wildlife Centre by the Teifi Marshes.
Northwards is the Ceredigion Heritage Coast with its sandy beaches and the area where the Welsh woollen industry once was.
Although the ruins of the castle that loom over the town are a mere reflection of its former medieval splendour, there remains an atmosphere of mystery and enchantment as it protects the entrance to the Teifi. The present castle is a mixture of Medieval, Georgian and 20th century styles. Mediaeval masonry can still be seen in various areas, the Gardener’s house, garage and stables are all of the Georgian period. Note: Cardigan Castle is private property.
Seals and Dolphins occupy the waters of Cardigan Bay and the can often be seen frolicking close inshore.
There’s a wide variety of shops to be found, mainly along the main street. Major banks and several Building Societies are to be found here. National outlets such as Woolworths; W.H. Smith; Boots; Currys; Peacocks; Tesco, Somerfield, and and some others are all here.
Cardigam has four shopping arcades, The Black Lion; the High Street Arcade; "Canolfan Teifi", which boasts two floors of character shops and the town Library and the Imperial Mall.
The Agricultural Market is one of the largest one-day farmer’s markets in Wales. It trades every Monday, with additional market days on various other dates.
There remains an olde-worlde charm about the place and small shops, the castle and narrow streets add to the atmosphere.
The Catholic Church is in Aberystwyth Road and its architectural features seem modern when compared with those of its Anglican counterpart. There’s a wooden statue of Christ on the Cross in the grounds, but its main claim to fame is the shrine of Our Lady of the Taper. The original shrine was destroyed during Henry VIII’s attacks on Catholicism in 1538, and the shrine that the visitor sees today is the National Shrine of Wales, visited by pilgrims and tourists alike.
Bethania, William Street, built in 1847 it is the biggest of the town’s five chapels.
Capel Mair, Welsh Congregational. Built in Feidr Fair in 1831 and rebuilt after 1869.
Tabernacl, Pendre. This picturesque chapel has undergone restoration in recent years.
Mount Zion, Priory Street. English Baptist Chapel with interesting architecture.
New Mill, New Mill Road. Converted from an old water mill, this Full Gospel Church is to be found at the northern outskirts of the town.
St Mary's Church, Church Street. The tombstones of 18th and 19th century mariners can be seen in the graveyard. The 15th century pinnacled chancel was the original church with the plainer nave being added around 1700. The huge Norman tower was partly rebuilt in 1711. Several architecturally interesting pieces are in evidence despite the ransacking by Cromwellian forces. The east window has some mediaeval stained glass and the chancel arch has several carved heads with interesting expressions. Tudor carvings are incorporated into the chancel roof, with more Tudor decorations in the nave.
Theatr Mwldan, Bath House Road. This is a bilingual arts centre and cinema drawing its audiences from south Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire.
The theatre was converted from a disused abattoir and was opened in 1987 by the late Sir Geraint Evans. It’s the permanent home of the Cardigan Theatre Company and Cardigan Youth Theatre, The Opera Teifi Group and Theatre Mwldan Film Society
The latest films are screened in the cinema whilst the theatre offers live music and productions by award-winning companies.
The diversity ranges from National Theatre Companies, local amateur groups and Welsh National Opera to Alan Price and from Shakespeare to Max Boyce.
The Courtyard Coffee Shop offers refreshments and there’s plenty of parking space.
A Tourist Information Centre is to be found in the theatre’s foyer and a gallery displays work by local artists.
Toilets are in the theatre and car park, with full disabled access.
Open daily, telephone 01239 621200
Museum. A small museum is located at the District Council Local Offices in Morgan Street. Admission is Free.
Cardigan Heritage Centre, located in an 18th century warehouse on Teifi Wharf.
It tells the story of the former county town of Cardigan and the main exhibition covers from pre-Norman times to the present day. There is also a history of the Port of Cardigan from its mediaeval origins through its heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries to the present. Various exhibitions take place throughout the year in the temporary exhibition area.
There’s a cafe, picnic areas, toilets, gift shop, full disabled access and facilities.
Parking is limited but the Heritage Centre is only a couple of minutes' walk from the town centre, bus stop and main car parks.
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