Welcome to Llanelli

Llanelli is located at the mouth of the River Loughor on the south coast of Wales, in the county of Carmarthenshire, approximately 205 miles west of London and 12 miles west of Swansea.

The town has a population of around 28,000. Administratively it is within the local government district of Carmarthenshire (one of 22 principal areas of Wales) which covers an area of approximately 2,395 sq kms and which has a population of around 173,000.

This former mining and steel town which rose to prominence during the Industrial Revolution has experienced much redevelopment in recent times and today is an attractive and vibrant retail centre. There are numerous attractions in the vicinity, including the Millennium Coastal Park, and it is a good base from which to explore the beautiful coastal scenery of the Gower peninsula.

The town grew to prominence in the late 18th century when it became the centre for lead, copper and the tinplate industry. Its tin production was so significant that the town became known as 'Tinopolis' by the latter half of the 19th century. Coal mining was another important industry and was transported via the town's port. The closure of the coal mines has led to economic decline since the 1970s.  Llanelli is home to the National Wetlands Centre, Wales.

Historically the town's economy was based upon mining, but today, the service industry is the largest sector of the local economy, employing around 65% of all workers.

The name Llanelli is of uncertain origin. In Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Wales 1833, it says; "This place, which appears to be of great antiquity, derives its name from its church being dedicated to St. Elliw (the daughter of Saint Brychan King of Brycheiniog)..." But a more recent view is that the Parish Church was dedicated to Saint Elli the favourite disciple of Saint Cadog of Llancarfan.