Cardigan and the Teifi Valley

The little market town of Cardigan, with its ancient bridge, was the scene of a never-to-be-forgotten victory by the Welsh over the Norman army in 1136. The town is near the mouth of the Teifi, a river that runs through a wooded valley with traditional market towns and villages. The valley also contains reminders of the area's once-flourishing woolen industry. Wales's first eisteddfod, or folk festival, took place in Cardigan Castle in 1176. The eisteddfod tradition, based on the Welsh language and arts—a sort of Welsh cultural Olympics—remains strong in Wales, and events large and small are held here (mainly in summer months).