Welsh Counties Explained

Ever wondered why you can’t have a holiday in Brecknockshire, Caernarfonshire, Cardiganshire, Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Merioneth, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire anymore? We attempt an answer! Here is the ultimate guide to Welsh Counties…

Key:

• Current Counties (post 1996) are in Maroon, linked, with their Welsh name in brackets
• You will normally see the words “Cyngor” (Council) and “Sir” (Shire) in front of the Welsh County Name – e.g. Cyngor Sir Penfro
• Counties created in 1974 are in Dark Blue

Counties in West Wales

West Wales – 1974 to 1996

• Dyfed was created by the amalgamation of the Counties of Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire & Pembrokeshire

West Wales – Current Counties – 1996 to date

• Carmarthenshire (Sir Gár) – formerly part of Dyfed
• Ceredigion – formerly part of Dyfed – The name was changed in 1996 from Cardiganshire
• Pembrokeshire (Sir Penfro) – formerly part of Dyfed

Counties in Mid Wales

Mid Wales – 1974 to 1996

• Monmouthshire became part of Gwent (see: South Wales 1974 to 1996)
• Powys was created by the amalgamation of the Counties of Brecknockshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire

Mid Wales – Current Counties – 1996 to date

• Monmouthshire (Sir Fynwy) was re-instated, but lost Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport & Torfaen from pre 1974 Monmouthshire
• Powys, uniquely, continued with unaltered boundaries

Counties in North West Wales

North West Wales – 1974 to 1996

• Gwynedd was created by the amalgamation of the Counties of Anglesey, Caernarfonshire & Merioneth

North West Wales – Current Counties – 1996 to date

• Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Mon) – formerly part of Gwynedd
• Conwy – formerly part of Gwynedd
• Gwynedd as a name remained but lost Anglesey & Conwy from the former Gwynedd Unitary Authority

Counties in North East Wales

North East Wales – 1974 to 1996

• Clwyd was created by the amalgamation of the Counties of Denbighshire & Flintshire

North East Wales – Current Counties – 1996 to date

• Denbighshire (Sir Ddinbych) – formerly part of Clwyd with some boundary changes from pre 1974 Denbighshire
• Flintshire (Sir y Fflint) – formerly part of Clwyd – lost its pre 1974 unique English enclave to Wrexham
• Wrexham (Wrecsam) – formerly part of Clwyd – gained parts of pre 1974 Flintshire

Counties in South Wales

South Wales – 1974 to 1996

• Gwent was created out of Monmouthshire
• Glamorgan became a Unitary authority

South Wales – Current Counties – 1996 to date

• Blaenau Gwent – formerly part of Gwent and prior to 1974, Monmouthshire
• Caerphilly (Caerffili) – formerly part of Gwent and prior to 1974, Monmouthshire
• City of Newport (Dinas Casnewydd) – formerly part of Gwent and prior to 1974, Monmouthshire
• Torfaen – formerly part of Gwent and prior to 1974, Monmouthshire
• Bridgend (Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr) – formerly part of Glamorgan
• Cardiff (Caerdydd) – formerly part of Glamorgan
• Merthyr Tydfil (Merthry Tudful) – formerly part of Glamorgan
• Neath Port Talbot (Castell-nedd Port Talbot) – formerly part of Glamorgan
• Rhondda Cynon Taf – formerly part of Glamorgan
• Swansea (Abertawe) – formerly part of Glamorgan
• Vale of Glamorgan (Bro Morgannwg) – formerly part of Glamorgan

Confused? Us too!

• Here are some maps that might help:
  • Pre 1974: Counties Map – Includes England and Scotland also
  • 1974 – 1996: Counties Map (scroll down to the second map)
  • 1996 to Date: Current Counties Map (scroll down to the third map)

If you’re looking for a holiday in Wales to remember, then be sure to explore our range of holiday accommodation in West Wales. We have a fantastic selection of holiday homes across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Mid-Wales.