Our Churches
In 2023 the former benefices of Blaenau Irfon and Irfon Valley were dissolved and merged into the new Ministry Area of 'Irfon, Wye and Edw'. This amalgamation draws together 28 churches and their communities that stretch from the English border to the borders of the neighbouring Welsh counties of Camarthenshire and Ceredigion. This Ministry Area, set in the stunning scenery of Powys, brings together the resources and collective strength of many churches and communities united in continuing the ancient Christian presence into the twenty first century.
Many of our churches have been built on very ancient sites which have been centres of worship and spirituality for centuries and we are keen to keep them open for private prayer and other appropriate uses. Following the Celtic pattern, they tend to be set apart from population centres with beautiful churchyards and stunning views.
You are very welcome to visit these quiet, unobtrusive places of worship, whether you are new to to the area, or have lived here all your life. Three of the buildings are Grade 2* listed buildings.
Churches of the Irfon Valley
St Cadmarch's, Llangammarch
St Cannen's, Llanganten
St Afan's, Llanfechan
The Parish Church, Llanlleonfel
St James, Llanwrtyd Wells
Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah
St David's, Llanwrtyd Wells
St Cadmarch's, Llangammarch is often thought, even by local residents, to be a very ancient church but in fact, it was built in 1919 in the Arts and Crafts style. It is certainly a beautiful building with a modest unity of design which is calming and attractive, but what is perhaps most stunning is the view coming out of church on a sunny Sunday morning with the Epynt in all its wild glory above the gently rolling Irfon Valley. Unmissable.
The Parish Church, Llanlleonfel, Garth, known as the church where the great hymn writer Charles Wesley married Sally Gwynne in 1749, is perhaps the most mysterious of Irfon Valley's churches. Built on a hill outside Garth, it isn't easy to find but is well worth the effort with many interesting features and a very special tranquil feel. Sitting quietly here you can enter into a different world.
St Afan's, Llanfechan , Garth is a quirky reminder of a previous age. Nestling next to a farmyard beside the main road it has a splendid display of daffodils in early spring and fine old yew trees. It is the daughter church of Llanafan Fawr, which is an ancient site, not far away, on the Beulah/Newbridge road with one of the most splendid yew trees in Wales.
St Cannen's, Llanganten, Cilmery, perhaps with Llanlleonfel, wins the award for the church most difficult to find, hidden away as it is behind Cilmery, but it has a lovely setting beside the Chewfri stream and, for this writer at least, is the perfect country church: tranquil and with a spirit of simple holiness. It also has historical associations from a more violent time, when Llewelyn was the last native Prince of Wales.
St James, Llanwrtyd is a different kind of church. In the middle of this little town, it is a centre of community activity and a friendly and unpretentious place to worship. It is also open during the day where it provides a beautiful, quiet space, good facilities and some attractive works of art.
St David's, Llanwrtyd (The Old Parish Church) is the oldest of our church buildings and has a breathtaking setting in the Irfon Valley It's very popular for weddings and when you visit it, it is easy to see why, with its simple design, attractive churchyard and many interesting features including a striking, larger than life-size carving of St David.
Eglwys Oen Duw, near Beulah is a Victorian church in an elaborate Gothic style, which is unusual for rural Wales. It has recently aquired a sensitively designed new annexe which makes it both beautiful and useful. EOD is a shining jewel in a lovely setting. Look out for the pretty footbridge which is Grade2* listed along with the church building.
St Cadmarch's, Llangammarch LD4 4EH
St Afan's, Llanfechan, Garth LD4 4BA
Llanlleonfel Parish Church, Garth LD4 4AW
St Cannen's, Llanganten, Cilmery LD2 3PA
St James, Llanwrtyd LD5 4SU
Eglys Oen Duw, Beulah LD5 4YD
St David's, Llanwrtyd LD5 4SA
