Folklore & Tradition

Aside from Arianrhod's son, Dylan Eil Don, in the Fourth Branch (section) of The Mabinogion, mermaids are rare in Welsh folklore. However, a local story tells of a farmer who came across a sea spirit curled up on the rocks on Aberbach Beach. He managed to get close enough to touch her, carrying her off to Treissyllt Farm where he imprisoned her. That night he awoke to her mournful singing, calling to her fellow people to rescue her. She escaped as a shadow of grey resembling the local seals and pronounced that no child would be born in the farmhouse - a prophecy which held true until the middle of the 20th century. Aberbach Beach is managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and can be found at the end of the lane which passes Melin Tregwynt - the famous woollen mill which produces Welsh blankets stocked around the world. The mill is open to visitors and has a gift shop. 

Photo of Aberbach Beach - copyright Alan Hughes / Geograph