Carmarthenshire is steeped in history and legacy, with an array of spectacular sited Welsh and Norman castles dotted around the region.
Roman remains at Carmarthen and the Gold Mines at Pumpsaint offer National Trust attractions with underground tours and panning for gold, both giving detailed insights into ancient Carmarthenshire life.
The most famous of the castles in the region is that of Laugharne, formed as part of a pattern of castles by the Norman's to provide fortifications giving protection at river crossings on the coastal route into south Wales.
Normans took control of West Wales in the 1090's but suffered setbacks after the death of Henry I, which coincided with the rise of Lord Rhys. While Rhys acknowledged Henry II as his master, he became the unofficial "Prince of Wales".
Numerous landmarks around the region graphically tell the vivid story and history of Carmarthenshire. The largest Iron Age Hillfort in Wales can be found near Llandeilo.
This pleasant market town was formerly the ancient capital of West Wales. Featuring narrow streets and stunning historic buildings, the town derived its name from St Teilo, a 6th century saint said to have died here and to whom the church is dedicated.
A piece of the counties industrial heritage can be experienced at the Museum of the Welsh Woollen Industry at Drefach-Felindre, housing fascinating archives into a once-thriving rural industry and Mill Trails. Also the Kidwelly Industrial Museum offers some interesting traditional industrial information.
The region has a number of myths and legends with many famous characters from the past. Carmarthen is rumoured to be the birthplace of Arthurian legend, Merlin the Magician.
The most famous character from this region is undoubtedly Dylan Thomas. He lived in Laugharne with his family between 1949 and 1953 and today his Boat House features a heritage centre dedicated to the writer.