Top Isle of Man hotels
If you know anything about Manx history you will probaly know that Castletown was the capital of Isle Of Man for a few centuries and was colonised by the Norsemen. If not, well you do know now. Castletown is an excellent place to spend a day exploring the town and the castle. It has a volcanic history as apparantly it sits on the edge of an extinct volcano and it's harbour is built on a shelf of lava. The is a nice market square and town is easily reached as it is on main bus routes.
Probaly the most notable permanent feature on Isle of Man is Lady Isabella, the world's largest working waterwheel. It is a fairly impressive feature that can pump water from 2,000 feet below the surface of the ground with it's wheel that has a circumference of 227 feet. It's construction is owed to John Casement in 1854 and was named after the governor at the time's wife. It is also known as the Laxey Waterwheel because it is in the town of Laxey.
Archaeological excavations are continuously going on at the Rushen Abbey, and if you approach them during official Dig hours, they will explain many interesting things about Rushen Abbey and their work. Since my elder goddaughter has decided to become an archaeologist, we spent quite some time with the experts, and girls also enjoyed playing in this sandbox full of hidden treasures. They found an "ancient" key, pottery pieces and bone.
It was one very influential medieval religious site on the IOM. Located 2 miles from Castle Rushen, it was always an extention of political power of the kings. The Abbey was built in 1134 and was a home to monks, soon developed into a powerful religious institution and educational center. The monks were living under their strict rules, producing their own food and everything they needed, but soon their influence became strong also on the economy of that area. They had plenty of land, and were lending it to farmers.In 1540. the Abbey was closed and demolition works started. Stones and building material is now part of many buildings in this part of the island.When I told my friend Bernie that I'm going to visit the IOM, she told me I should have strawberries at Rushen Abbey - she heard lovely stories from her father.I was very sad to learn that they don't serve strawberries anymore, it is...
Some displays at the museum are very amusing. The one depicting the last King of Mann enjoying his dinner was really impressive. There was even a cat sleeping on the bench, and it looked so real. The guide told me that's because he IS real - Goudrum is probably the most famous Manx cat, spending one of his lives as a star of this castle. He couldn't be bothered. What a character. He gets lost sometimes, but people know him so well, they bring him back to the castle.This high class cat has obviously chosen the bench by the feast table for his favorite place to have a nap!Look at him posing at the official Castle Rushen website:
Named also "Lady Isabella", after the wife of former governor of the IOM, it is now the largest still functioning wheel of this kind in the world.The 22m diameter wheel was designed by Victorian engineer R. Casement and built in 1854 to pump water from the Glen Mooar industrial complex. It was purchased from private owners by Manx Government in 1965. and was completely restored, together with the surrounding area. Climb up the steep stairs and enjoy the view over picturesque village and towards the sea. Mind your head in certain odd corners - warning signs are well visible.
The Cregneash village is a living monument which depicts the way people lived here in 19th century. You can observe local customs, crafts and daily life of those times, and you may even see famous Manx cats here. This village is also working on preservation of traditional farming practices and skills - horse-drawn farming tools, wood processing, weaving and spinning, blacksmith's work - all for real, with purpose.
Peel Castle is one of major historical sights of the Isle of Man. Located on St. Patric's Isle near Peel, even though it is a ruin, it certainly is an impressive one. It used to be the most important religious and secular place throughout Manx history, especially in 6th century during conflicts between Manx Christians and Vikings. Unfortunatelly, after the Sovereignty of the English Crown was ensured in 1765, the castle was loosing it's importance and was left to decay. After visiting Peel Castle, take a walk to the nearby rocky shore, you'll probably meet some seals. They are actually very interested in observing humans - so they act like tourists just like you do.
This is one of the best museums I've ever vsiited, and my kids were enjoying it very much, too.It presents Celtic, Viking and Maritime traditions of the island, through high-tech suported installations. You are walking from one room to another, and follow the stories presented through sound, video, robotized dummies and even scents that are released into rooms - while visiting the exhibit that depicts kipper factory, the smell is ... authentic!The House of Manannan Museum was declared British Museum of The Year twice.
Impressive, amazingly well preserved medieval castle is dominating the panorama of Castletown.Its origins can be traced back to Norse Kings of Mann, who fortified this strategic site in order to protect the entrance to the Silverburn River from the sea. Central stone tower is the oldest, surrounded by courtyard, which was later surrounded with yet another defence wall. Inside the castle there is a museum presenting the story of the castle, its inhabitants, rulers and the whole island.It was the seat of Kings and Lords of Mann through centuries, and even in recent history it served as a symbol of power - being used as a prison.
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Reviews and photos of Isle of Man attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Isle of Man sightseeing.
Q: I am planning a 22 day trip around Ireland and wanted to spend the end of it in Isle of Mann. Depending on how I arrange things, I...
A: Welcome to VT. How much time to spend on the Isle of Man? I was there for five days and know I have to come back because there is much I still want to see. If you can...
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