Brynach was a 6th century Irishman and a great friend of St. David, the patron saint of Wales. Legend has it that he freed the Welsh village of Pontfaen from evil spirits whose horrible howling had made it uninhabitable.

St. Brynach founded one of the earliest Christian churches at Nevern, Pembrokeshire, where a 13-foot high cross stands. The cross is highly decorated with typical Celtic designs, including knotwork, key patterns and chevrons.

Both St. Brynach and his contemporary St. David lived austerely with a life of constant fasting and prayer. It was said wild beasts became tame for Brynach and that nearby Carn Ingli (the rock of the angels) got its name because it was the place where Brynach chose to spend time as a solitary hermit and was granted angelic visions.