Swansea

Wales is the new Ireland. While Cardiff may currently be winning in the coolness stakes, Swansea is catching up quick. Swansea is built in a smashing location, with a long promenade sweeping around Swansea Bay. The nightlife is concentrated around Wind Street, with a myriad of bars to suit all tastes, from the cheap-and-cheerful to the poncey-as-all-hell. Alternatively try the Mumble Mile, a pub crawl including 11 different haunts.

Cardiff

Cardiff used to have a bit of a dour reputation but has been rejuvenated by investment based around the 1999 Rugby World Cup and the sporting mecca that is the Millenium Stadium. A year round stream of sports-mad visitors have transformed the nightlife into a sparkling gem of fun, divided between two clearly defined districts: in the city centre, the atmospheric and traditional pubs are fuelled by the local brew. If that doesn't float your boat, head for the new Cardiff Quayside where foxy Welsh lasses abound in the trendy bars that boast outdoor seating with the best views in town when the weather is good.