Cardiff Travel guide

Rugby legend Tommy Bowe shares their insider recommendations with followers visiting Wales for RWC 2015.

Ireland and Ulster wing, Tommy Bowe understands also well the effectiveness of the Millennium Stadium audience. In 2006 he sat among a purple ocean of Munster followers which noisily urged the province to its very first Heineken Cup by absolute power of might. During 2009 he was a try-scorer among the heroes just who beat Wales there to claim Ireland's very first Grand Slam since 1948.

In March, the tables had been turned as Wales channelled the character of Rorke's Drift to put up Ireland out, denying all of them on a clean sweep.

"The most recent result was really unsatisfactory - but the environment is often something different. Away from playing yourself it really is probably my favourite stadium, an actual cauldron."

This autumn, the Millennium Stadium audience must certanly be on Ireland's side as thousands result in the journey to Cardiff for crunch share games in Rugby World Cup.

And following the full-time whistle features blown, Bowe understands top places to eat, drink and hang out - having spent four years in Wales with regional side Ospreys. He existed both in Cardiff as well as in Wales' 2nd biggest city, Swansea, about 40 kilometers further west.

"Cardiff is an excellent city. They've actually redeveloped it well and switched it around. I lived-in Cardiff Bay and it's really an excellent spot once the sunlight is shining and place is buzzing, it's perfect if you would like a coffee or a couple of beers, " he claims.

"simply outside the town you have towns like Cowbridge or Penarth, that are great to simply select a bite to consume, perhaps go out and go directly to the pub watching a match indeed there."

Bowe's favourite café within the city is certainly in upmarket suburb of Penarth, as it is their tip for a significant supper.

"Coffee#1 is a lovely café on the primary street there. And Pier 64 does great fish down by the waterside, " he claims.

"But the restaurant I've most likely eaten in many is Las Iguanas, which does sort of Brazilian, Mexican food and has got great cocktails too when it comes to women. They will have one in Cardiff Bay and one within the town center and (on Mill Lane, a stone's place from the arena).

"In addition invested three years residing in Swansea, inside marina there - a really nice area of the town. I am unsure if people will get that far out of Cardiff but you can find great eateries in Swansea. My favourite restaurant may be the Riverhouse and there's a place called Los Angeles Fina which does Spanish tapas."

For people who do result in the trek at bit further western, some of Wales' most spectacular country is at hand. Despite its strange name, Mumbles is a quaint seaside resort, whilst the Gower peninsula is one of the most stunning and unspoilt coastal places in the UK.

"you had must set off a bit further but they are both spectacular, " claims Bowe. "You'd need the Sat Nav on the Gower, you are able to just wander off here - you're certain to see a good amount of sheep wandering the roadways besides. There are many good old pubs, it really is a bit such as the Curragh in lots of ways. The shores (just like the remote surfers' haven Llangennith) are top."

Tommy has taken a bit of Wales back into Belfast with him as he is marrying previous skip Wales Lucy Whitehouse come july 1st.

"she's really enjoyed the move, making good friends in Belfast, " he claims. "The Irish and Welsh access it effectively together and I also however stay static in touch utilizing the lads from my time at Ospreys.

"Lucy will surely be looking to conquer to Wales once we play in Cardiff this autumn."

Find out more:

Irish Independent