The story of Porthgain starts at nearby Abereiddi, a convenient dropping off point for the import of alcohol and tobacco, illegally of course. In case Customs and Excise are reading this (and why on earth shouldn't they?) that trade has long since ceased. This carried on until a slate quarry was started there where, initially, the loading was done on the beach but in 1838 the sloop 'Weasel' was wrecked in a gale. Clearly some rethinking was needed.
Meanwhile Porthgain was making a living with fishing and burning imported limestone to use as a neutraliser for the local acidic soil.
This image shows the narrow entrance to the harbour.