The village has an industrial history and includes the Millennium Woods, a post office, a public house, a parish church, a primary school (Ysgol y Foel) and a village hall.

The Welsh placename Cilcain, which has also in the past been spelled as Kilken and Cilcen, has been suggested[by whom?]

In the early years of Cilcain's existence it was noted as a place of retreat and was also locally famous for its regular village fairs, where a notable amount of alcohol was often consumed.

On 31 March 1865, the remainder of Llystynhunydd, and parts of the townships of Cefn and Mechlas, went to the new parish of Rhydymwyn.

Many of the trees were planted by some of the students attending the local school, Ysgol y Foel, in that year.