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Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I stayed overnight in a surreal Welsh Village with no residents and this is what happened after dark
I stayed overnight in a surreal Welsh Village with no residents and this is what happened after dark Want Wales without the crowds? Stay overnight in this eccentric, empty village by the sea Portmeirion is also well-known as the home of TV cult classic, The Prisoner (Image: Portia Jones ) I'll admit, I love quirky and off-beat places, especially if you can stay the night and explore long after the daytrippers have gone. So, imagine my delight when I discovered a colourful coastal attraction in Wales with no residents, cars, schools, or banks. I knew I had to visit at once and packed my finest attire (£3 dress from Vinted). Inspired by Portofino's multicoloured façades, Portmeirion is a uniquely constructed tourist village that offers a slice of Italy on the bracing Welsh coast. Named one of the UK's 'most beautiful' places by Time Out, the pretty village is one of Wales' most popular attractions and is normally full of visitors. By night, however, Portmeirion empties out, leaving just the overnight guests, staying in one of the quirky 'village rooms' or in one of two luxury 4-star hotels. If you want to experience one of the most enchanting places in Wales without the crowds, book an overnight stay and you'll practically have the place to yourself. Especially if you stay outside of the busy school holidays. I booked an off-season stay for my wedding anniversary and experienced Portmeirion's charm after hours. Here's why you should, too. Article continues below Why Portmeirion is unique This pretty village in Wales has been compared to Italy for its beautiful buildings and coast (Image: Getty Images ) Portmeirion isn't quite like the other villages in Wales. There are no permanent residents at Portmeirion as it's a uniquely constructed village designed specifically for tourists who pay an entrance fee to wander around colourful Italianate buildings. This whimsical village was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His creative vision for an Italianate-style, private peninsula village on the Welsh coast resulted in a charming tourist destination with a Mediterranean feel. While many think of the village as the indulgent whimsy of an eccentric architect, Clough recognised the value of tourism to the Welsh economy. He had a clear vision for managed tourism and sustainability, clearly hugely ahead of the curve. Clough acquired the wilderness site in 1925 and dedicated his life to developing this run-down peninsula into a popular coastal attraction. He drew heavily from the coloured façades of Portofino, resulting in dream-like, pastel-coloured buildings, ornamental gardens, and piazzas with fancy fountains and a giant chess set. Strolling around, it feels like each building has its own personality; some are playful, with bright facades and ornate details, while others are stately, exuding an old-world charm. This is honestly like nowhere you've ever seen before, it's weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls. This is honestly like nowhere you've ever seen before, it's weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls. (Image: Portia Jones ) Sir Clough's clever use of arches, slopes and window sizes also makes the village appear larger than it is, and many of the buildings have been 'upcycled' from former sites. Classical buildings were salvaged from demolition, giving rise to Clough's description of Portmeirion as "a home for fallen buildings." Construction of the site continued in stages until 1976, when Clough sadly passed away. Portmeirion is also well-known as the home of TV cult classic, The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan. The series was filmed here in the 1960s, and the village provided a surreal backdrop to the off-beat series. Alongside its unique architectural heritage, the private, ticketed site features two swanky hotels, self-catering cottages, an indulgent spa, gift shops, cafés, restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Portmeirion was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis (Image: Portia Jones ) Walking into Portmeirion for the first time is undoubtedly an experience. The village rises like a painted mirage, with pastel-coloured buildings and whimsical towers that seem plucked from a fairytale. Here, clusters of lush and green trees frame the view while the estuary beyond glitters under the changing light of the Welsh sky. From the moment you cross the threshold, it's clear that this is not just any village; Portmeirion is a visual masterpiece, and it's worth exploring when dusk falls and the crowds clear out. Why you should stay overnight in Portmeirion Staying overnight in one of the 'village rooms' is like being let in on a secret (Image: Portia Jones ) Portmeirion is a wildly popular tourist attraction in Wales, with around 200,000 visitors annually. During the day, the site is packed with people who come for the colourful architecture, cafes and spa. The village empties as the day draws on and the shadows grow longer. The daytrippers, who fill the streets with chatter and snapping cameras, slowly disperse. It's in these quiet moments that Portmeirion reveals another side to its character, a serene, almost mystical atmosphere that envelops the village as the sun dips below the horizon. This is the best time to be in Portmeirion when day visitors have gone, and you can roam the surreal site with fewer crowds. Only overnight guests can be on site after the village has 'closed' for the day, so make the most of the near-empty streets. Portmeirion village rooms We stayed in one of the 'Village rooms' above the central piazza (Image: Portia Jones ) Stay overnight in one of the 'village rooms' and you'll be right in the centre of Portmeirion. When the crowds are gone, Portmeirion is yours alone to discover. Wandering through the quiet streets, with the village illuminated by the soft glow of the street lamps, you feel like you're in a Wes Anderson fever dream. We stayed in one of the swish 'Village rooms' above the central piazza, giving you a gorgeous panorama of the village as the sun sets and the last guests leave. Stepping out onto the balcony, you can look over the picturesque piazza and the village and get some gorgeous photos without hordes of visitors in your shot. Perfect if you love taking photos like me. Accommodation options The Hotel Portmeirion overlooks the Dwyryd Estuary (Image: Getty Images ) Portmeirion offers various accommodation options, each with its own unique charm. Choose between the sophisticated 4-star Hotel Portmeirion, the chic and modern 4-star Castell Deudraeth, the characterful Village Rooms, or an array of distinctive self-catering cottages. The flagship spot to stay is the 4-star Hotel Portmeirion, lovingly converted from an old Victorian villa. It was opened in 1926 by village creator Clough Williams-Ellis to much fanfare. The hotel has undergone refurbishments over the years to modernise its style while retaining some original features. The Grade II-listed hotel is also famous for being the place where English playwright Noel Coward wrote Blithe Spirit in 1941. It feels very stately with its cosy sofas set around an Italian-style fireplace and Art Deco-inspired design in the bar and dining room. The other impressive accommodation, Castell Deudraeth, is a 4-star, Victorian castellated mansion built by David Williams with 11 modern and spacious rooms. In the heart of Portmeirion Village, you'll also find 32 individually designed rooms, each brimming with character. These charming accommodations combine the comforts of a traditional hotel with the added bonus of being located right inside the vibrant village. Dinner at Portmeirion The village has plenty of dining options (Image: Portia Jones ) The village has plenty of dining options for daytrippers, from cafés to a 1950s-style bar and even an Italian gelateria. Opening days and hours depend on the season, so it's always worth checking ahead first. The bonus of staying the night in Portmeirion, though, is having a fancy dinner at one of the village's two full-service restaurants without huge crowds. We had a romantic dinner at the Portmeirion Hotel Dining Room, the perfect end to a whimsical day. We chose dishes from the varied menu and feasted on Welsh beef filet and Welsh Pork tenderloin, which were utterly divine. With its elegant décor and sweeping views of the estuary, this award-winning Art Deco Restaurant offers a refined dining experience rooted in the local landscape. Executive head chef Mark Threadgill and his skilled team, led by head chef Daniel Griffiths, work their culinary magic in the kitchen. They source the finest local ingredients, some even foraged from within the village, to craft a distinctive modern Welsh cuisine. Their dishes blend traditional French techniques with Japanese flavours, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving menu that highlights the freshest seasonal produce. Celebrating? Splash out on the taster menu featuring six courses and an optional cheese course. Typical dishes include Wild sea bass with cep mushroom, Welsh black truffle and chicken sauce, Sand carrot with puy lentils and hazelnuts, and Banana with miso caramel. What to do in Portmeirion As the day rolls on, the crowds start to leave (Image: Portia Jones ) Whether you are a day visitor or staying the night, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in Portmeirion Discover nature Despite its coastal location, Portmeirion is not just a summer destination. The 130-acre site, set amid woodlands and carefully manicured gardens, offers some of the most stunning scenery in Wales, magical for spring blooms or vibrant autumn colours. The microclimate of the peninsula also protects it from the worst of the winter frosts, although it has snowed here on occasion, much to the delight of photographers. Take the scenic, 40-minute walk through the Gwyllt woodland to explore a wild garden designed by the horticulturalist Caton Haigh, an authority on Himalayan trees and exotic plants. Two main paths lead into the pretty woodlands, and 19 miles (30.5km) of walking paths lead to highlights such as the Ghost Garden, Tangle Wood, and Chinese Lake. Each season brings new life to Portmeirion's manicured gardens with textures and colours anew as you wander through its cobbled streets and piazzas. For sweeping views of the estuary, head to Clifftop & Chantry Row or walk to the Mermaid Spa for superb coastal views. Nearby, you'll also find the Min y Don to Black Rock Sands section of the long-distance Wales Coast Path. After you visit the village, you can veer off for a longer walk on the Welsh coast to discover its impressive, rocky shorelines. Despite its coastal location, Portmeirion is not just a summer destination (Image: Portia Jones ) Shopping Portmeirion also has a range of well-heeled and bespoke shops, including the world's only Prisoner TV Show Shop. Here, you can buy memorabilia from the show, such as maps, badges, Village Foods tins and figures. Elsewhere, you'll find Welsh language and tourism books at the bookstore, a curated collection of gifts and local products at The Ship Shop, Welsh produce, and Portmeirion's very own wine and champagne at Pot Jam. Portmeirion Online also offers a range of Portmeirion-branded gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Browse printed mugs, tea towels, and chocolates alongside a small selection of discounted Portmeirion pottery. Portmeirion even has its own dedicated shop outside of the village in the harbour town of Porthmadog. Siop Fawr Portmeirion is a homeware store and café in the former three-storey Kerfoots, which is thought to be the oldest department store in North Wales, dating back to 1874. Have an indulgent spa The boutique Mermaid Spa offers a restorative experience by the sea and has a range of luxury and wellbeing treatments to help you unwind. Enjoy a re-energising facial, warming hot stone massage, or indulgent body wrap with views of the peaceful Dwyryd Estuary as you slip into quiet bliss. Expert therapists use high-quality and vegan-friendly products to deliver all-natural therapies that keep with the village's upmarket feel. Various spa packages, including bespoke options, are available, and you don't need to be an overnight guest to book. You can even indulge in a post-spa afternoon tea in Hotel Portmeirion for the perfect pamper day in North Wales. This is definitely not a budget stay in Wales, but if you want to splash out on a swanky stay, it's absolutely worth the money (Image: North Wales Live ) Verdict This is definitely not a budget stay in Wales, but if you want to splash out on a swanky trip, it's absolutely worth the money. My advice: go all in. Have a fancy dinner, book a spa treatment, splurge in the shop. This is a 'go big, or go home' type of staycation, so make the most of it. For more information and booking, click here. Article continues below
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Roy Keane admits surprise at being punched by person he 'loved' – 'He blamed me'
Roy Keane has opened up on the time he was punched by a former manager in the dressing room, after making a huge mistake in his early years as a player The late Brian Clough once punched Roy Keane in the dressing room, but that did not stop the fiery Manchester United legend from loving him. Before he became the explosive Red Devils captain that won everything there was to win, Keane played under Clough at Nottingham Forest, where he received the iconic manager's own brand of tough love. The two-time European Cup winner was the man who brought Keane to England, signing the Irishman from Cobh Ramblers in 1990. Keane quickly rose to prominence as one of the most promising young talents in European football. His journey under Clough was marked by many hard and, at times, physical lessons. One of those was brutally inflicted after an FA Cup third-round replay against Crystal Palace in 1991, where Keane made an error that led to them drawing at the City Ground. Reflecting on Clough's unique approach to management during a recent appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: "He (Clough) played mind games sometimes. If you got beaten, you'd think he's going to go after you and then he'd go the other way and go, 'Have a few days off.' "If you'd won a few, you'd be going, 'Listen, (I think we'll be getting) a couple of days off' and he'd be like, 'No, you're all in tomorrow.' He'd definitely be playing mind games." Keane reminisced about a stunning incident involving him and former team-mate Mark Crossley, who is widely known as 'Big Norm' around football. Keane turned to Crossley and added: "We (had) the incident with me, you and the Crystal Palace goal where he punched me after the game. He'd give me days off and he'd be brilliant." One of Keane's worst moments as a player came in the final minutes of that FA Cup clash, when his short back-pass resulted in Crossley fluffing a clearance to Palace star John Salako, who proceeded to lob in an equaliser to force another FA Cup replay. At the time, penalty shootouts were not part of the FA Cup, so Keane's error meant Forest had to face Palace in the competition for the third time that season. Re-living that painful moment, Keane added: "I'm looking and it was honestly like slow motion. You know about not upsetting the manager because we all loved Brian Clough. He gave us a chance like Norm did for me. "I remember John Salako got it and I'm looking at Norm running back. John Salako, what would he have been? Forty-five yards out? (I thought) 'Norm get back. He's f***ing not getting there'. I swear, as soon as I heard it hit the net... "He (Clough) blamed me for the back pass and it was the cup game. So then we went to a replay and he wanted the game done and dusted there. I think it ended up going to, three replays or something. "So he (Clough) had the thought of having a free weekend and was going, 'Now I've got to go to London, all the way to London to play Palace in the cup game that we hadn't won.' So he blamed me after the match." Turning to Crossley, Keane said: "I don't think you said much after the game. You just let me take the wrap for it. He (Clough) just punched me in the chest." Keane made 148 appearances at Forest between 1990 and 1993. He eventually left for United in a then British record £3.75million deal.
Irish Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
'He punched me' – Roy Keane admits manager he 'loved' took a swing for him
Brian Clough may have punched Roy Keane in the chest after the ex-Ireland captain made a mistake that resulted in an FA Cup clash being replayed, but Keane still "loved" the iconic manager. Keane, 53, is best known for his fiery performances at Manchester United, but many say Clough was the one who moulded him into the player he became. The legendary Nottingham Forest manager was known for his unpredictable behaviour and temper, particularly in the dressing room. Keane joined Forest in 1990 from Cobh Ramblers and went on to become one of the most sought-after young midfielders. Much of his development was down to many hard lessons he learned under Clough. One of those ended with the legendary manager punching him, after a mistake from Keane led to Forest drawing to Crystal Palace at the City Ground in an FA Cup third-round replay in 1991. Offering an insight into Clough's man-management during a recent appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: "He (Clough) played mind games sometimes. "If you got beaten, you'd think he's going to go after you and then he'd go the other way and go, 'Have a few days off.' If you'd won a few, you'd be going, 'Listen, (I think we'll be getting) a couple of days off' and he'd be like, 'No, you're all in tomorrow.' He'd definitely be playing mind games.' Keane then turned to ex-Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who was widely known as 'Big Norm' at the time, and said: "We (had) the incident with me, you and the Crystal Palace goal where he punched me after the game. He'd give me days off and he'd be brilliant.' Disaster struck for Keane when his short back-pass to Crossley led to the keeper scuffing the ball to Palace ace John Salako, who looked up and lobbed Crossley in the final moment of the game. The game finished 2-2 after extra-time and Clough was furious, as Forest had already drawn 0-0 with Palace in their first FA Cup meeting. As there were no penalty shootouts in the FA Cup at the time, a second replay had to be scheduled, leaving Clough furious. While Crossley admitted he should have done better with his clearance, Clough did not see it that way. The Corkonian midfielder said: "I'm looking and it was honestly like slow motion. You know about not upsetting the manager because we all loved Brian Clough. He gave us a chance like Norm did for me. "I remember John Salako got it and I'm looking at Norm running back. John Salako, what would he have been? Forty-five yards out? (I thought) 'Norm get back. He's f***ing not getting there'. I swear, as soon as I heard it hit the net... "He (Clough) blamed me for the back pass and it was the cup game. So then we went to a replay and he wanted the game done and dusted there. I think it ended up going to, three replays or something. "So he had the thought of having a free weekend and was going, 'Now I've got to go to London, all the way to London to play Palace in the cup game that we hadn't won.' So he blamed me after the match.' Turning to Crossley, Keane said: "I don't think you said much after the game. You just let me take the wrap for it. He (Clough) just punched me in the chest.' Keane made 148 appearances for Forest between 1990 and 1993. He would eventually leave the City Ground to move to United, in a deal worth €4.45million, which was a British record at the time.
AU Financial Review
03-06-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Kevin Gallagher avoids insider trading trial with settlement
Santos boss Kevin Gallagher has settled a six-year legal battle brought by the liquidators of collapsed contractor Forge Group on the eve of the trial, avoiding the need to defend insider trading claims from the witness box. The trial, pitting Forge Group against Perth-based engineering firm Clough and two former directors, had been due to begin in Western Australia's Supreme Court on Tuesday.
ABC News
20-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Snowy 2.0 tunnelling workers to walk off job over pay and conditions
More than 1,000 workers on the multi-billion-dollar Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project plan to strike on Wednesday over demands for improved pay and working conditions. The industrial action comes after the union entered negotiations with the companies employer SC Hydro, demanding an up to 12 per cent pay increase for the project's tunnel workers. Australian Workers' Union NSW branch secretary Tony Callinan said he wants rates to be brought in line with those working on North East Link Tunnels in Melbourne. Clough, a subsidiary of Italian-owned company WeBuild, is involved with both Snowy Hydro and the Melbourne based-project. "People doing the same work in the same industry, even for the same employer, should get the same rate of pay," he said. "They make a choice to work on that project, that's correct, and they're also choosing to exercise their right now to fight for better wages and conditions." Mr Callinan said the employer countered with an offer for a 7.5 per cent up-front pay rise which was declined. Among the demands is a $140 daily camp allowance for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, doubling night shift rates, and two mental health days per year for employees. The union has also demanded that workers are flown in and out of Canberra instead of Cooma airport, improvements to food served to workers, and an approximately 15 per cent increase to the $23 meal allowance provided when workers work overtime unexpectedly. In 2023, SafeWork NSW investigated food hygiene on site after maggots were allegedly found in meals served to workers. Mr Callinan said Australian Workers Union delegates notified of their intention to commence a stop work action last Thursday, after engaging in more than a dozen regular meetings since January. "They're getting frustrated either by no response or by responses that don't meet their expectations," he said. "Then they have to go back to their crews and and explain what happened at the meeting. "Our union delegates are the meat in the sandwich." The Snowy 2.0 project is expected to provide up to 2.2 gigawatts of electricity to the national grid once completed. The controversial project is anticipated to start delivering power in late 2027 following a string of setbacks. Work on the $12 billion project stopped in January when concerns were raised about the status of "last resort" chambers, designed to be used in an emergency when workers were unable to evacuate. Underground work was also halted again for three weeks in late February after a ventilation fan imploded on site and sent metal shrapnel flying through the air. Union representatives will meet with involved parties for their routine meeting on Wednesday. Mr Callinan said the union workers would consider further strike action if demands were not met. "Our members and delegates are currently planning and discussing strategies to put more pressure on the company to come to the table and accept the offer," he said. The ABC has contacted Clough, WeBuild and Snowy Hydro for comment.
