An ancient land with a rich culture
Throughout its history Carmarthenshire has made a notable contribution to Welsh literary heritage. Indeed, one of the earliest surviving examples of Welsh writing can be found in the margin of an 8th century Latin manuscript produced in Llandeilo – a digital version of that manuscript, Llyfr Teilo, can now be viewed in Llandeilo Church. Carmarthenshire can also claim credit for the oldest surviving manuscript of early Welsh poetry Llyfr Du Caerfyrddin (Black Book of Carmarthen), composed 9th-12th century.
Head to Swansea, birthplace of Wales's greatest English-language poet – Dylan Thomas – where you will find the Dylan Thomas Centre as well as the award-winning National Waterfront Museum. Dylan Thomas fans should also head to Laugharne, where many of his finest works were written, and New Quay in Ceredigion – both claim to be the inspiration behind fictional "Llareggub" (read it backwards!) in "Under Milk Wood" and feature heavily in the 2008 film about his life, "The Edge of Love", starring Matthew Rhys (as Dylan Thomas), Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller.