About

Aberdare, the 13th largest town in Wales with a population of around 32,000, is situated in the Cynon Valley 3.5 miles south-west of Merthyr Tydfil and 20 miles north-west of Cardiff. Little more than a village at the end of the 18th century, it grew rapidly during the first half of the 19th century due to the presence of coal and iron ore and became a thriving industrial settlement, which was also notable for the vitality of its cultural life and as an important publishing centre. The first decade of the 20th century saw a further sharp increase in population, largely as a result of the steam coal trade, but has since declined owing to the loss of most of the heavy industry.

The Cynon Valley Museum is located in Aberdare, on the site of the former Gadlys Ironworks.

Aberdare railway station is the terminus of a branch of the Merthyr line; all trains run to/from Cardiff Central.