 It lies east of Criccieth, south-west of Blaenau Ffestiniog, north of Dolgellau and south of Caernarfon, with a community population of 4,185 (2011 census) and an estimated 4,107 in 2018.It developed in the 19th century as a port for slate sent to England and elsewhere, but since the decline of the industry it has become a shopping centre and tourist destination.It is close to Snowdonia National Park and the terminus of the Ffestiniog Railway.