Llangynhafal

Llangynhafal
St Cynhafal's Church
Llangynhafal Location within Denbighshire
Population	634 (2011) [1]
OS grid reference	SJ129635
•  Cardiff	116.3 mi (187.2 km)
•  London	176.2 mi (283.6 km)
Community	Llangynhafal
Principal area	Denbighshire
Country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	RUTHIN
Postcode district	LL15
Post town	DENBIGH
Postcode district	LL16
Dialling code	01824
Police	North Wales
Fire	North Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
UK Parliament	Clwyd East
Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament	Clwyd West
List of places UK Wales Denbighshire 53°09′40″N3°18′11″W / 53.161°N 3.303°W / 53.161; -3.303 Map of the community

Llangynhafal is a village and community to the north of Ruthin, in Denbighshire, North Wales. It has a thriving public house, the Golden Lion. The community includes the village of Gellifor. Llangynhafal is approximately 4 miles away from Ruthin and 6 miles away from Denbigh. The name Llangynhafal is thought to originate from the 7th century missionary Saint Cynhafal, who was the son of Saint Elgin ap Cadfarch, rather than from the popular but inaccurate "hundred apples" legend. ^[2]

St Cynhafal's Church

Llangynhafal Church - St Cynhafal's Church - was built in the 15th century, with earlier origins and significant later additions and restorations. The site itself is believed to have been a place of worship since the 7th century. located on the hillside behind Plas Dolben, Ffynnon Cynhafal is a historic holy well associated with Saint Cynhafal. The site has long been part of local religious and folk traditions. According to local accounts, the well's water was once used for baptisms and was also believed to possess healing properties, particularly for treating warts. Visitors would prick the affected area with a pin and then drop it in the water, and give a short prayer. ^[3]

Local Amenities and Community Life

Llangynhafal is the home to the Golden Lion Inn, a long established pub that caters to both residents and visitors, including walkers exploring the nearby hills.

Llangynhafal is located at the foot of Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range of north east Wales, standing at 554 metres (1,818 feet) above sea level. The Clwydian Range is an Area of outstanding Beauty (AONB). Moel Famau brings lots of walkers to the village.

Llangynhafal is also home to two Georgian sister country houses Plas Draw and Wern Fawr. Plas Draw.

Llangynhafal FC

Llangynhafal Football Club plays in the Llandyrnog & District Summer League. They originally played in the Ruthin Summer League, until the league folded in 1956. In 1966 they joined the Llandyrnog league but left in 1978. They then rejoined in 1987. In 1992 they merged with Llanbedr. ^[4]

The club colours are orange and black. ^[4]

The club has won four league titles, in 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2019. ^{[4] [5] [6]}

They currently play outside of the village, at the Rhewl playing fields. ^[4]

Professional footballer Charlie Caton formerly played for the club. ^[7]

References

1. "Community population 2011" . Retrieved 23 May 2015.
2. range, clwydian (2013). "Not Being On The Road To Anywhere" (PDF).
3. "Ffynnon Cynhafal, Llangynhafal - British Pilgrimage Trust". www.britishpilgrimage.org. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
4. "Llangynhafal Football Club – Summer Football League". Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
5. Lewis, Thomas (5 February 2022). "'Unique' North Wales football league set to return after three year break". www.dailypost.co.uk. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
6. "Hafal FC". www.x.com. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
7. "Great to see local lad Charlie Caton". www.x.com. Retrieved 18 October 2025.