Cardigan is the traditional county town of Cardiganshire (Ceredigion) in west Wales.
The town, founded in 1093 by the Norman Roger de Montgomery, lies on the estuary of the River Teifi and has a large welsh speaking community. Attractions in the town include the remains of Cardigan Castle, a heritage centre, arts centre and a currently under-used nineteenth century guildhall.
In 1176 the castle became the site of the first competitive Eisteddfod. Cardigan also hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1942 and 1976. The castle was for many years in private hands and as a result became run down and derelict. The town council itself showed little interest in saving it. However a group of volunteers, and the local Catholic Priest, working separately did raise its profile. Ceredigion Council finally bought it in 2003.
Cardigan is also the site of Wales' premier Roman Catholic Shrine in Wales. In pre-Reformation times it was known for a statue of the Virgin Mary, who held a candle whose flame never extinguished. It is known as the shrine to Our Lady of the Taper.