Discover Hirwaun
Accommodation in Hirwaun
If you are looking for a hotel in Hirwaun, you can get a sense of the place through its industrial history, religious heritage, historic routes, and outdoor experiences today. Local highlights range from the founding of Hirwaun Ironworks in the 18th century to activities on the site of a former colliery. This means choosing a destination involves more than a single attraction: you can decide whether to focus on industrial history, buildings and remembrance, or active experiences.
Industrial history and the trail route
Hirwaun Ironworks was founded in 1757 by John Mayberry of Brecon. It was probably the first coke-fired iron furnace in South Wales.
The Penderyn and Hirwaun Trail is thematically linked to this history. It follows the former Penderyn Quarry Line, along which minerals were transported from Moel Penderyn to Hirwaun Ironworks. The 3.2 km trail runs along the former Quarry Line beside the River Cynon to Hirwaun and ends at the Ironworks. The route therefore points to the former transport line and the origin of the minerals, as well as the ironworks as its destination. Its length, riverside route, and endpoint provide several specific points of reference.
Church, remembrance, and local history
The Church of St Lleurwg in Hirwaun was built in 1858 to designs by Alexander Roos. It is the only church in Wales dedicated to Saint Lleurwg.
Hirwaun War Memorial stands in the centre of the village and takes the form of a clock tower. The Merthyr Rising of 1831 is also associated with Hirwaun: a red flag was raised there during the uprising, apparently for the first time in Britain.
Outdoor experiences on a former colliery site
On the site of the former Tower Colliery, Zip World Tower offers four outdoor experiences. These include a high-speed zip line, a twisting roller coaster, and an elevated climbing course.
Phoenix at Zip World Tower is the world’s fastest seated zip line, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. Technical operating details may change. If the maximum speed is important for your plans, check the latest information before your visit.
Routes between Penderyn and Hirwaun
The Penderyn Mineral Line runs between Penderyn and Hirwaun as an old tramway. Trail surfaces and conditions may change; check the latest conditions before setting out. The 3.2 km Penderyn and Hirwaun Trail follows the former Quarry Line beside the River Cynon to Hirwaun and ends at the Ironworks; the Penderyn Mineral Line runs between Penderyn and Hirwaun as an old tramway.
Discover more destinations: Treherbert, Nantgarw, Aberdare, Mountain Ash, Pontyclun, Gilfach Goch, Porth, Pontypridd.
View the regional travel guide: Rhondda Cynon Taff.
