Some Good Reasons to Visit the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is a small island in the Irish Sea between England and the northwest coast of Ireland. It’s not far from the mainland, a short flight or ferry crossing (both daily) but once there it has the feeling of entering another world.
A world where time slows down, steam puffs along the coastline, and trams run through small, picturesque villages. The island has its own folklore, superstitions, and even a Celtic god of the sea.
There are so many reasons to visit this fascinating island and these are my top ten.
Friendly islanders
Across the island, visitors will come across multi-colored benches and wooden tables with notices inviting them to sit there if they are happy to hang out with people they know.
But I discovered that wherever I was on the island people would say hello and this led to frequent conversations about the island.
The locals love their island, they know its history and are eager to talk about it. In particular, the bus driver will help you find your stop and make the right connection. This kind of warm reception really increases the chances of staying here.
Fairy and folklore
The fairies in the garden, the fairy house in the forest, the fairy bridge, and a fairy cottage stop on the Manx Electric Railway reflect the beliefs and superstitions of the islanders. Douglas even has an announcement on the Castleton bus that passengers are requested to observe an Isle of Man tradition and the bus crosses the Fairy Bridge as soon as they say hello to the fairy.
Traditionally, the fairies of the Isle of Man are not small creatures in beautiful costumes with tiny wings. Little People or known as themselves are described as very small people wearing blue or green jackets and wearing red hats. They can be good, bad, or hardworking and there are many stories about their exploitation.
The private gardens built by the islanders and inhabited by various angels with wings are alluring.
A steam railway
The Isle of Man Steam Railway runs from Douglas on the southern tip of the island to Port Erin. It is part of the public transport system so there are regular services throughout the day. Opened in 1873 it is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain that still uses its original locomotives and cars.
Since many of the island’s attractions are close to this railway station, this is a great way to explore the area. The Go New Heritage Card offers unlimited travel between all the railways and buses on the island. Special events on this line include pie and mash evenings.
Dinner is served on the train as it passes through Douglas and Port Erin – the main course on the way and dessert on the way back. During a half-hour break at the port, Erin passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast and walk to the beach.
An electric railway
The Manx electric railway (MER and often referred to as the tram) is part of the public transport system and runs from Douglas to Ramsay. The line was opened in 1893 and has 71 stations, stops, and stops. Passengers boarding the tram at Douglas or Ramsey Termini will have to set their stops and flag off those who wish to travel. It’s a beautiful way to travel, especially in large, open cars. One of the most popular stops on this line is Lakshi, a terminal on the Stiefel Mountain Railway.…