Isle of Man Revisited

…stressed Bob, a ruddy-faced local we bumped into at The Sound Café, situated on the island’s southernmost tip.

Noticing us flipping through guidebooks, he surmised we weren’t local and wanted to enlighten us on Isle of Man’s rich folklore culture.

Fairy Bridge is a small, inconspicuous road bridge between Castletown and Douglas and, apparently, it’s considered bad luck not to greet the fairies as you cross.

“We’ll certainly remember to say ‘hello’,” I replied, before Bob continued his overview of the island’s intriguing superstitions.

“Many people won’t use the word ‘rat’,” he said, smiling. “Again, they think it’ll bring bad luck.”

Out of respect for this long-held custom, pop group The Boomtown Rats even changed their name to The Boomtown Longtails for one night when they performed here!

We could have chatted to Bob for hours but were keen to explore. Measuring just 33 miles by 13, this self-governing isle in the middle of the Irish Sea is ideal for a short break – like we’d booked – or even a longer holiday.

But before jumping in our hire car, we wanted to savour this spectacular location which would become my favourite spot on the island. Standing at its southerly edge, we stared across the narrow stretch of water to Calf of Man, a tiny islet owned by Manx National Heritage.

Suddenly, on the rocky coastline below, we noticed seals frolicking at the water’s edge. An information leaflet I was carrying described this area as one of the isle’s “most treasured places” and we’d agree with that.

But it was time to move on.

The Sound Café, where we met Bob.

The rocky channel at The Sound.

INTERESTING FACT

Atlantic grey and common seals thrive in these waters, with an estimated 600 living here.

Castle Rushen towers over the harbour.

The view from the castle top.

INTERESTING FACT

Castletown relinquished its role as capital in 1869 when the parliament transferred to Douglas.

Strolling along the promenade, we admired gardens bursting with colour and passed several statues, one depicting the much-loved comedy actor Norman Wisdom, who lived on the island, another of the equally popular Bee Gees, who were born in the town.

While we preferred stretching our legs, other visitors chose to hop on the world-famous horse tram which travels the length of the sea front. Passengers over the years have included the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.

At the end of the promenade is Derby Castle Terminus, where the horse tramways are based and electric trams head north. A throng of people were waiting for the next tram, many of whom would alight at Laxey to join the unique Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Promenade gardens in full bloom.

The Bee Gees, born in Douglas.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.

Electric tram at Derby Castle.

INTERESTING FACT

Dating from 1876, the Douglas horse tram is Britain’s oldest surviving horse tramway.

Laxey was our next port of call, but we travelled by car, where we joined the train heading to the roof of the isle.

Snaefell is the island’s only mountain and at 2,036 feet above sea level, you’re greeted with spectacular views. On a very clear day, you can see parts of all four countries of the UK. Although we couldn’t see that far, it was still a fine view when we reached the top.

With around half an hour before the next train would take us back down, we grabbed a coffee from the café and wandered around the summit.

All aboard at Laxey for the roof of the isle.

Moorland and sea from 2,036 feet.

INTERESTING FACT

This 3.5-foot gauge railway, winding from the village to the summit, took just seven months to build.

INTERESTING FACT

Lady Isabella is the world’s largest working waterwheel.

The ever-shifting shingle beach at the island’s northern tip.

INTERESTING FACT

The lighthouse was automated in 1993, while the fog horn was decommissioned 12 years later.

INTERESTING FACT

The Isle of Man TT was first staged in 1907.

INTERESTING FACT

Peel Castle was the seat of the island’s government for over two centuries.