WITH Cardigan Castle finally opening its doors to the paying public this week after years of hard work and a £12m restoration project, there is much to see and do at Wales' newest tourist attraction.

As well as safeguarding 900 years of history, the restoration led to some exciting discoveries with 9,500 archaelogical artefacts discovered including medieval stone, structures, a segment of dolphin skull, medieval arrowhead, pottery and more recent artefacts including a NAAFI mug from the Second World War.

Objects on display celebrate not only the town and castle's history, but also the people who lived there. Here are just a small selection of the things not to be missed when you head through the Castle gates for a visit...

 

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One of the permanent exhibitions at the Castle celebrates the site's claim to fame as the birthplace of the first National Eisteddfod. These magnificent crowns are among the items on display. PICTURE: Owen Howells/Cardigan Castle

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The magnificent Georgian house in the grounds of Cardigan Castle, Castle Green House, has been beautifully restored and is home to some of the castle's exhibitions. PICTURE: Owen Howells/Cardigan Castle

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Another of the permanent exhibitions will tell the story of Miss Barbara Wood, the last private owner of the castle, and her battle to stay in the castle she loved.

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Many of the objects on display tell the wonderful history of the Castle site through the ages and reveal details of the lives of the people who lived there. You're sure to be surprised and delighted by some of the objects you find!

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No visit to the newly opened Cardigan Castle will be complete without trying out the magnficent reimagining of Wales' original Eisteddfod Chair. Sitting atop the East Tower, the breath-taking nine-foot sculpture is hardcarved and made from local oak, slate and bronze. It is the creation of Cardigan-based woodcarving artist Paul Clarke, and provides the perfect photo opportunity for visitors.