September 23, 1999. Copyright, 1999, Graphic News. All rights reserved


A RUGBY TOURISTÕS BRIEF GUIDE TO WALES

By Margot Nesdale


LONDON, September, Graphic News

NORTH WALES: AS YOU cross the frontier from England to north Wales 
the billboard says ÒCroeso i CymruÓ.

The welcome sign is the first hint that this spiritual home of Rugby 
Union has carved out a unique identity.

Rugby runs in the veins of the Welsh but the nationÕs arteries are 
pumped with history, ancient castles, and breathtaking scenery. 

The warmth of the Welsh is legendary and the survival of their mother 
tongue indicates a fierce national pride.

Travelling in Wales is cheaper than in England but the food is somewhat 
unremarkable.

However, the nation that has spawned such celebrities as Richard 
Burton and Anthony Hopkins continues to woo foreigners with 
unsurpassable medieval architecture.

The English monarch King Edward 1 built a string of fortresses in north 
Wales to ward off Welsh nationalists.

One of the most impressive is found in Conwy, reputed for being the 
best example of a medieval walled town in Europe.

Ironically, one of the townÕs biggest attractions is the smallest house 
in Great Britain, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

The last occupant of the 72 inch (1.83m) wide by 122 inch (3.1m) high 
property was amazingly,  a 6 ft 3 in (1.9m) tall fisherman.

At the heart of nationalist Wales is Caernarfon, which attracted 
worldwide attention when Queen Elizabeth ceremonially invested Prince 
Charles as Prince of Wales at its castle in 1969. 

Those looking for the Great Welsh outdoors should head inland to the 
massive national park of Snowdonia. 

About half a million people reach the rugged summit of Snowdon (3,560 
ft / 1,085m) each year, either by foot or train.

North of Caernarfon lies 
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the 
gateway to Anglesey Island, which is famous for having the worldÕs 
longest place name.

Translated it means The church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel 
near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysilio by the red cave! 


SOUTH WALES: CARDIFF has drop-kicked its image as a dull provincial 
backwater.

The vibrant capital and focal point of south Wales is about to showcase 
a 72,500-seat Millennium stadium, two world-class hotels, and a 
waterfront development to rugby fans worldwide.

The Welsh Assembly building and a multi-purpose arts centre will open 
in the new millennium.

Rugby fans will feel truly at home in a city awash with more than 350 
pubs and bars plus fine restaurants and shops.

Another rugby stronghold is cup venue Llanelli, the town still so proud 
of its triumphant 9-3 win over the All-Blacks at Stradey Park in 1972.

The goal posts at the park are topped with red saucepans, a link with 
the tin plate works which used to be the townÕs main industry.

North east of Llanelli is WalesÕ ultimate romantic ruin, Carreg Cennen 
Castle, perched high on a 300 ft (91m) crag with stunning views.

Further west is Laugharne, Dylan Thomas territory. Tourists flock here 
to see the boathouse where he spent his last four years, the shed where 
he wrote Under Milk Wood, and BrownÕs Hotel, the pub where he drank 
regularly.

If you stop in for a pint, donÕt expect to feel welcome. Although a shrine 
to Thomas has been erected inside the pub, the patrons appear to regard 
tourists as a huge imposition. 

Tenby is also extremely popular, with elegant Georgian architecture and 
menacing castle ruins.

However the jewel in the crown of South Wales is the Pembrokeshire 
Coast National Park.

While the beaches in the south are marred by caravan parks the more 
exposed north coast is still virtually untouched and offers some of the 
best treks in Britain.

Inland is St DavidÕs, named after the famous patron saint of Wales, who 
founded a monastery here in the 6th century. The current cathedral 
dates to the 12th century.

The coastline to Fishguard is so unspoilt that the beaches can only be 
reached by tiny winding lanes.

Dylan Thomas fans should also visit Fishguard, the backdrop for the 
1971 film version of Under Milk Wood, which starred Elizabeth Taylor 
and Richard Burton.

/ENDS