About 6mi/10km to the south of Talybont is Aberystwyth (pop. 13,000), unofficial capital of Mid Wales, situated at the mouth of the rivers Rheidol and Ystwyth (hence the town's name, which in Welsh means "mouth of the Ystwyth"), which join just before reaching the coast. Besides being a university town and a shopping town for Mid Wales, the town
is also a popular seaside resort. The university was founded in 1872 as a branch of the National University of Wales (together with Cardiff and Bangor). The university theater Theatr Werin enjoys an outstanding reputation. From the lengthy pier, which extends out parallel with the wide beach, there is a splendid view of Cardigan Bay.