Near Betws-y-coed, on the old London to Holyhead coach road, it has been a popular spot for tourists since the 19th century. The cascade's name was recorded in 1773 and is thought to refer to the way the water resembles the tail of a swallow where a large rock divides the flow into two streams. The falls were given to the local council in 1913 by Lord Ancaster. A small charge for visitors was then introduced, to help pay for the council’s outlay on its recent new water and electricity utilities in the village.