The small town of Barrydale is situated roughly halfway between Montagu and Ladismith, in the Little Karoo region. As was the case with most towns in southern Africa, it originated in the nineteenth century as a cluster of nagmaal houses surrounding the farming community’s church. In 1884 a Village Management Board was established and in 1920 the present municipality was constituted.
The present (permanent) population of Barrydale is estimated to be about 3500, but grows considerably during the holidays. Although small, Barrydale has all the necessities the locals need. Drinking water is extracted from the Huis River and, after purification, supplied to more than 680 homes. There is also an abattoir, a library and a Tourism Information Centre, all managed by the municipality. Further basic businesses include a branch of ABSA Bank, butcheries, garages and filling stations, estate agents, a major transport company and the ever present liquor stores. Accommodation to tourists are provided by the local hotel, a few guest houses and a caravan park.