Aberdare

Aberdare is a town and community in the Cynon Valley, within Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. It sits in the South Wales Valleys at the head of the Cynon and is known in Welsh as Aberdâr. The name combines Aber, meaning river mouth, with Dare, the river that flows through the town.

Geography and economy have long been shaped by the valley’s coalmining heritage. The town expanded during the 19th century as coal mines in the Aberdare Valley and surrounding areas drew workers and investment. Rail and canal links established to move coal to markets in the broader region, contributing to rapid urban growth. Following the decline of coal mining in the late 20th century, Aberdare diversified into retail, public services, and light industry, while retaining a strong cultural and community role in the Cynon Valley.

Prominent features in and around Aberdare include Aberdare Park, a Victorian-era public park with landscaped grounds and a lake, and the nearby Dare Valley Country Park, which preserves natural scenery along the River Dare. The town also hosts historic churches, a public library, and other local services that serve as a hub for the surrounding communities.

Governance and representation place Aberdare within Rhondda Cynon Taf. It is part of the Cynon Valley area for Welsh and UK parliamentary constituencies.