Carmarthenshire  (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin or Sir Gâr) is a unitary authority in the south west of Wales and one of thirteen historic counties. It is the 3rd largest in Wales. Its three largest towns are Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford. The county town and administrative centre of Carmarthenshire is Carmarthen and the most populous settlement is the area in and around the town of Llanelli. With its fertile land and agricultural produce, Carmarthenshire is known as the "Garden of Wales".

Carmarthenshire is situated in the south west, it encompasses coast line, rolling pasture land, the southern tip of the Cambrian Mountains in the north, the lush green Tywi Valley, the dramatic Black Mountainand the western edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in the east. In recent years the county town of Carmarthen has undergone tremendous renovations, a new shopping centre (St Catherines Walk) has been built with the coming of many popular high street stores. The town has certainly not forgotten its roots as a farming and market community and in the centre of the shops you will find a group of sculptures including a farmer and his flock of animals.

Carmarthenshire is a county steeped in rich history and it is said that it has links with the legendary wizard Merlin and every year the town holds a Merlin, Mystery and Magic Festival in remembrance. In later years Carmarthenshire was emerging as an industry town and there is an abundance of history about industry development from castles to gold mines and old woollen mills.

Castles such as Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr and Kidwelly to name but a few can be found dotted around the county making this a special and interesting place to stay for a holiday in Wales for history enthusiasts.

In the north east of the County at Pumsaint is Dolaucothi Gold Mines, a Roman gold mine is set in the wooded hillside, overlooking the lovely Cothi Valley. There are guided tours of the underground workings, gold panning, exhibitions on gold and mining history and working trains on the mine floor.

At the beautiful Cenarth Falls is the National Coracle Centre, where coracles are made in the workshop. The Teifi Valley Railway, created from a branch line of the Great Western Railway offers a two mile journey through the beautiful Teifi Valley, a chance to enjoy the age of steam. Four miles east of the town the National Woollen Museum tells the story of the woollen industry of Wales, with demonstrations of spinning, weaving and displays of traditional Welsh textiles.

A short drive from Carmarthen to the east at Llanarthne, is the National Botanic Garden of Wales, opened in May 2000. The garden contains the largest single-span glasshouse in the world and the longest herbaceous border in Britain. The Botanic Garden is still being developed, an unique garden to keep visiting.

At Whitland in the west of Carmarthenshire is another of the Counties remarkable gardens,Hywel Dda Gardens and Interpretive Centre, commemorates Hywel ap Cadell, 'King of all Wales' in the ninth and early tenth centuries. The only garden in Europe dedicated to the law, the memorial is divided into six small gardens, each representing a section of the law.

For motor enthusiasts the seven mile beach at Pendine Sands in the south west of Carmarthenshire is famous for land speed records, where Malcolm Campbell broke three world records. Visit the Pendine Museum of Speed, to see some of the record-breaking vehicles.

To the north of Carmarthenshire is Laugharne, with its picturesque castle, overlooking the Taf Estuary. Laugharne was the home of the poet Dylan Thomas and The Boat House where he wrote "Under Milk Wood" is open to the public.

Llanelli is an attractive town, situated at the mouth of the River Loughor.Visit Park Howard Art Gallery and Museum, featuring the town’s history and a large collection of Llanelli pottery. A mile east of the town is the National Wetlands Centre Wales, the 500 acre reserve is situated at the edge of the Burry inlet, and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In Llanelli you will also find The Millennium Coastal Park, the largest land reclamation scheme undertaken in Wales. A 12 mile stretch of coastline on the Burry Estuary. Over 2000 acres of industrial wasteland have been restored to create a coastal path and cycleway between Pembrey Country Park and the National Wetland Centre creating a tranquil green corridor.

If your ideal holiday in Wales comprises of an excellent shopping experience and historical intrigue then opt for a cottage holiday at Primrose Cottage which is idyllically situated within 6 acres of secluded meadow woodland in Dylan Thomas' Fernhill Valley, just south of Carmarthen and only 3 miles from the unspoiled estuary village of Llansteffan. The location is perfect for visiting many attractions on offer in south and west Wales, exploring castles, sea fishing, mountain biking, walking and enjoying beautiful sandy beaches. The nearest beach is at Llansteffan just 3 miles away.