Carmarthen Hostels

Carmarthen sits on the River Towy in Wales, and is a fairly large city steeped in legend and history, and as such, attracts all sorts of visitors. Rumored to be the birthplace of the Arthurian sorcerer Merlin (in a cave outside of town), it is also possibly the oldest town in Wales. Be sure to look for Merlin’s Oak (fragments of it remain in the museum). Merlin apparently made a prophecy about the town's downfall in connection with the life of the tree.

The landscape around Carmarthen is wild and rough, but is beautiful in its own way, and the best way to get the true feel of the life there is to go outside and explore it. The city is easily reached by train or by bus or by car (easy enough considering how difficult it is to reach other cities or towns in Wales). Driving around the city can be a bit problematic, as it can be difficult and expensive to park there.

When staying at a Carmarthen hostel, there is a lot to do within the city -- plenty of shops, pubs, and attractions. There is a castle and a museum and the largest parish church in Wales (St. Peter's Church), all of which are worth visiting, especially if you’re a history buff. Be sure to visit Guildhall square, and the Roman fort and Roman amphitheatre as well. The nightlife in Carmarthen can vary greatly, but there is usually something for all interests, and the pubs are worth visiting for an evening.