As a stopover point from Dublin to Bath, we decided to stay in Wales. Specifically Rhyl, due to a friend's recommendation. He recommened we stay at the Sandy Shores Guesthouse.

This place is very centrally located, a 5 minutes walk from pretty much anything: shopping, restaurants, the beach, arcade, etc. The house itself is cute: the exterior charming, and the interior comfortable. The breakfast was also very tasty.

Ron, the owner, is a very pleasant and kind man. On our first day in Rhyl he drove us around town, giving us an overview of Rhyl. He also took us to Rhuddlan Castle, the 2nd of King Edward's Welsh castles built in 1277. We had no idea this was nearby and it was AWESOME. We were so thankfully to him for taking us there. It was magnificent. After that, he dropped us off at a restaurant he recommended, where I had a lovely gammon steak!

The boardwalk located near the guesthouse feels somewhat out of place, like a forgotten Santa Cruz or Brighton Beach. THe arcades were fun though.

Also near the guesthouse was the Naval Social Club. Our host recommended we go there, rather than a pub. It was an interesting environment. Apparently you have to be a native and pay a fee to join... or you can go in for free if you're a tourist. My dad and I went there for a couple pints and watched the locals. There was some kind of activity going on that night so there were about 25 elderly people playing bingo and then dancing. It was a very charming and friendly environment.

The town itself is unlike anywhere you've been. It's Miss Marples meets seaside carnivals. The Sandy Shores Guesthouse is a perfect place to stay while you're there.