About

Aberdyfi is a small seaside village on the north side of the Dyfi estuary in southern Snowdonia. It is where the river Dyfi meets the green-blue waters of Cardigan Bay. Aberdyfi is one of those simple, seductive little resorts that hits the right spot. All the ingredients are here – a golden beach, crabbing and fishing from the quayside, yachts in the bay and views across the estuary to die for.

Quaint old streets rise up to spectacular viewpoints whilst in the heart of the village you can enjoy browsing in specialist boutiques and art galleries or dine in exceptional inns and restaurants. Or you can simply sit in this idyllic setting and relax.

The village was founded around the shipbuilding industry and boasts a number of excellent beaches and a championship golf club. The first ever outward bound centre opened in Aberdyfi in 1941 and the town continues to have a strong yacht club and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

You don't need to travel too far from Aberdyfi to find a different world - that of spectacular mountain and valley scenery. The peaks of the Cadair Idris and Aran Fawddwy ranges are within easy reach and are complimented by the charm of the Dovey and Dysynni valleys nearby. An ideal area for walkers, climbers and wildlife watchers.

ABERDYFI HARBOUR
Aberdyfi was founded, and has developed, around its natural harbour and a thriving fishing industry, as well as its shipbuilding community. In the 18th and 19th centuries over 200 wooden trading boats were launched, and were seen plying their trade around the world.

Aberdyfi and the Dyfi estuary is now a renowned, outstanding family-friendly tourist resort drawing visitors from around the UK and Europe. The town remains true to its heritage and is still operating successfully as a working port, with its own fishing fleet of six vessels.

The fish and the fishing industry reamins an important element of the local economy and Aberdyfi's fishermen bring ashore a wide variety of fresh produce for distribution within Wales, the UK and specialist markets, where the quality of its catch is highly prized.

The Aberdyfi Wharf is where you will find the working port area, public gardens and Tourist Information Centre.

LOCAL HISTORY, CULTURE & LEGENDS
In the 1800s, Aberdyfi was at its peak as a port. Major exports were slate and oak bark. Ship building was based in seven shipyards in Penhelig where 45 sailing ships were built between 1840 and 1880.

The railway came to Aberdyfi in 1863 built by the Aberystwyth and Welsh Coast Railway. The first train was ferried across the River Dyfi, as the line to Dovey Junction and then Machynlleth was not completed until 1867. A jetty was built in 1887, with railway lines connecting it with the wharf and the main line. The Aberdyfi & Waterford Steamship Company imported livestock from Ireland which were then taken further by the railway. Coal, limestone and timber were also imported.

Aberdyfi is the subject of a popular Welsh folk song, Clychau Aberdyfi/The Bells of Aberdyfi. The song refers to the legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod, a submerged kingdom beneath Cardigan Bay. The bells in the song are those of that submerged kingdom that can be heard ringing beneath the water. The words were written by John Ceiriog Hughes in the 19th century, though the composer is unknown.