Aberdare is a town in the Cynon Valley area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, at the confluence of the Rivers Dare and Cynon, with a population of around 40,000. Located 4 miles south-west of Merthyr Tydfil, 20 miles north-west of Cardiff and 22 miles (35 km) east-north-east of Swansea. During the 19th century it became a thriving industrial settlement, which was also notable for the vitality of its cultural life and as an important publishing centre.
The name Aberdare translates as "mouth/confluence of the river dare", a reference to the Dare river flowing into the Cynon near an area known as "Yr Ynys".
The town is served by Aberdare railway station and Aberdare bus station, located opposite each other in the town centre, which itself was the subject of an extensive redevelopment scheme during 2012–13.
The town has a thriving football scene with many grassroots clubs for both senior and junior players, while historically Aberdare Athletic F.C. were members of the Football League between 1921 and 1927. Current Rugby Union clubs in the area include Aberdare Rugby Football Club (formed in 1890 which still play in Aberdare today at the Ynys Stadium), Abercwmboi RFC and Hirwaun RFC. The Aberdare Athletic Ground was the venue of the first rugby league international, played between Wales and the New Zealand All Golds on New Year's Day 1908.
Location
The postal region of CF44, includes the local towns, villages, electoral wards and stations of: Aberaman, Abercwmboi, Aberdare, Afon Taf Fawr, Brecon Beacons, Bryn, Cefn-coed-y-cymmer, Cefnpennar, Cefn Rhigos, Clwydyfagwyr, Cwmaman, Cwmbach, Cwmdare, Cwm-hwnt, Cwmpennar, Cynon, Fernhill, Gadlys, Gellideg, Heolgerrig, Hirwaun, Llwydcoed, Llwyn-on Village, Mellte, Nant-ddu, Pen-common, Penderyn, Penywaun, Pontneddfechan, Pont-Walby, Rhigos, Robertstown, Taf Fechan, Trecynon, Trefechan, Tre-Gibbon, Tre-Ifor and Ystradfellte.
