Meirionnydd

Meirionnydd, also known as Merioneth, is a historic region in north-west Wales. It roughly corresponds to the southern part of the historic county of Merionethshire and is now largely within the modern county of Gwynedd. The Mawddach Estuary forms part of its eastern boundary, with Cardigan Bay to the south. Principal towns include Dolgellau, which has long been the market town and administrative centre, and coastal towns such as Tywyn, Barmouth, and Harlech. The area includes parts of Snowdonia, including the Rhinogydd range and the southern foothills of Cader Idris, offering a mix of mountainous and coastal scenery.

Historically, Meirionnydd was one of the cantrefi of Gwynedd and later became Merionethshire under the Laws in Wales Acts of 1536. In 1974, local government reform created the Meirionnydd district within Gwynedd; this district was dissolved in 1996, with its area administered by Gwynedd as a unitary authority. The name Meirionnydd continues to be used in cultural and geographic contexts and is also the name of a Welsh Assembly (Senedd) constituency, Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, established in 2007.

Economy and culture in Meirionnydd are characterized by agriculture, a historic slate quarrying heritage, and tourism focused on coastline, mountains, and historic towns. The region is known for its strong Welsh language presence and cultural traditions. Notable landmarks include Harlech Castle, as well as the landscape and heritage sites around Dolgellau and the Mawddach Gulf.