With the Ireland vs Wales Six Nations game coming up this Saturday in the Millennium Stadium, JOE gives you a few alternative things to do in Cardiff this weekend.
By Iarla Duignan
The Welsh capital is the destination for thousands of Irish rugby fans this weekend with hopes of stemming the penalty flow and thrashing Warren Gatland’s side. Most will find the nearest pub and sing songs at the top of their voice for the night.
If you are making the trip over to cheer on the rugby team but want to break the normal routine of drinking, rugby and more drinking, JOE has compiled a list of five alternatives for your trip. There is still time for the usual debauchery, but a sprinkling of these during your trip should help you and your liver enjoy it even more.
1. Llandaff Ghost Walk
Frighten yourself on this ghost walk through the ancient city within the modern city. Assuming the rugby team haven’t spooked you out sufficiently, this is a sure way to get your heart racing.
It is listed as one of the top ten things to do in the UK for under a tenner by Essential Travel. The narrow streets, crumbling ruins and the dominant figure of the ancient cathedral create the atmosphere of a forgotten village. The tour takes you through the town’s darkest spots, while the guide is well-versed in the chilliest tales of the town’s past.
If you can’t handle the tour, you can always spend the evening with spirits of a different kind in one of the many pubs in Llandaff.
2. Jongleurs Comedy Club
OK, drink will be to the forefront of most Irish visitor’s minds, but what better way to begin your night by watching some of the best comedians around at the famous Jongleurs comedy club. The chain is located all over the UK and was made famous by the ITV show Live at Jongleurs that is now shown on Comedy Central. Top comedians like Peter Kay, Jack Dee and Steve Coogan were all filmed performing at the club.
The household name still attracts some of the best comedians around. Located in the super club Oceana, Jongleurs is open every Friday and Saturday night. Tickets to the comedy gig also allow you free entry into the award-winning Oceana club, so it’s just short trip to the dancefloor and the usual messing.
3. Paintballing
Wind down from your hectic weekend with… a spot of paintballing. Show off your inner Ashley Cole and shoot as many of your friends as possible and other strangers too of course. Of course it may hurt and if you’re hungover, getting a paintball in the side may not be the best remedy, but it is a great laugh and the Cardiff site, Taskforce Paintball, is no ordinary setting.
It’s not a field with a few crates thrown across it: it is a dedicated paintball arena. Thirty acres of bunkers, a village, a real helicopter, two bridges with adjacent aerial walkways, a munitions dump, tree houses and a concrete tunnel make for great levels and games to fire around in.
Prices start from £27 (€31), so it is affordable and they do group deals. So, gather up the lads and fire away.
4. Taff Trail Cycle Tour
Work off the beer from the night before and take in the sights along the coastline, through parks and all the way to Beacon’s National Park if you so wish. The trail is 55 miles in length, so you mightn’t make it to the end but it’s an easy gradient to cycle and most of the trail is traffic free. It’s a perfect day out for the family after the big game.
Although mainly a countryside tour, it does pass through a few towns, so you can stop to recuperate and pick up a few refreshments. Bikes are easy to rent and are available at the beginning of the trail at Cardiff Bay.
For more information, visit the website here.
5. Newport
Take the 15-minute train to Newport and experience the complete Welsh experience. Escape the hustle and bustle of the major city in Cardiff and take in the sights Newport has to offer.
Visit the cathedral, go to the fascinating Fourteen Locks for the canal experience… OK, OK there’s actually nothing to do there, unless you want to hang out with Goldie Lookin Chain. Find Maggot and the gang and sing along to Guns Don’t Kill People, Rappers Do. There is the odd fight to be had with the burly locals as well.
If you don’t believe us here at JOE, listen to the Newportians tell you themselves. A far cry from New York.
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