Isle of Man

Isle of Man - map

Wikipedia article about the Isle of Man

 

Main attractions

The Isle of Man contains a set of historical landmarks depicting the distinct history of island.

Natural landmarks

• Dhoon Glen Waterfall - Most impressive waterfall in the island. Consists of two drops, more than 40 m tall.
• Glen Maye waterfall - Picturesque waterfall in the ravine of Glen Maye.
• Langness Arches - Natural arches formed in the conglomerate rock in the southern end of Langness point. Many other interesting rock formations along the sea coast.
• Sweet chestnuts of Bishopscourt - Two old, large sweet chestnuts, planted in the period from 1698 to 1756.
• The Eye of Burroo Rock - Large natural arch in the small island of Burroo in the south of Calf of Man island.

Man made landmarks

Megaliths

• Cashtal yn Ard - Impressive Neolithic tomb, built circa 2000 BC. Megalithic chambered cairn with five chambers, originally 40 m long. Now remain numerous standing stones.
• King Orry’s Grave - Large megalithic tomb from circa 2000 BC. Contains three chambers.
• Meayll Hill (Mull Hill) - Hill with a ring of standing stones – with six pairs of burial chambers aligned along the circle. Remains of Neolithic huts.

Other archaeological monuments

• Old Tynwald Hill - Historical site where laws and decrees were announced since old times – at least from the 14th century. Stone flanked circular platform. More recent Tynwald Hill it is the central place for Tynwald Day – National Day of the Isle of Man. This 3.7 m high hill is made of soil from all 17 of the island’s parishes and consists of four circular platforms one on another.
• The Braaid - Remnants of Iron Age and Viking settlements. Contains stone fundaments of round house and Viking longhouses.

Medieval stone crosses

• Kirk Maughold - Very old church, originally built in 1000 – 1100 AD, much altered since then. Contains the largest collection of early Christian stone crosses in Isle of Man from 6th – 13th century – in total 47 fragments and whole crosses. Many crosses are adorned.
• Kirk Michael - Church in Neo-Gothic style, built in 1835. Contains the richest collection of Norse stone crosses in Isle of Man – stones are covered with beautiful stone carvings.
• Thor Cross in Bride - Norse cross, covered with elaborate carvings of Norse mythology.

Castles

• Castle Rushen - One of the best preserved large medieval castles in Britain, constructed in time period from 1250 to 16th century.
• Peel Castle - Castle on a small island at Peel town. Originally here was located Celtic monastery, castle built in 11th century by Vikings from wood. In 14th century most of the castle was of stone. Remaining impressive outer walls.

Country houses

• Bishopscourt - Bishop's mansion from 17th century. Beautiful park.
• Douglas Nunnery - Country house, built in Gothic Revival style in 1823. Earlier, since 12th century here was Cistercian priory.
• Whitehouse of Kirk Michael - Country house from 1730ies, with older parts and later extensions. The white-washed building is located in a magnificent setting with green meadows, forest, hills.

Other man-made landmarks

• Historical centre of Castletown - Historical capital of the Isle of Man. Preserved numerous historical buildings, old street network, military parade ground – market place.
• Laxey Wheel - Industrial monument – large waterwheel, built in 1854. It was built to pump the water from the mineshafts. Diameter of the wheel – 22 m.
• Monk’s Bridge in Ballasalla - Medieval packhorse bridge, built circa 1350 AD.