Isle Of Man
The tiny Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea, at the geographical centre of the British Isles. However, it is not part of the United Kingdom, but a ‘Crown Dependency’. This means that athough they have their own parliament, the English Sovereign is the ‘Lord of Man’, and the British Government takes care of the island’s external affairs.
The Manx people have a keen sense of history. The island is believed to have been first inhabited as many as 10,000 years ago. Much of its history since then has been influenced by, or indeed revolved around interference from abroad.
Various Viking factions intermittently raided and settled the island between about 800 and 1200A.D. But from this period onwards it has mostly fallen under British control, although the island does claim to have the oldest Parliament institution, the Tynwald, which they mark as running continuously since 979A.D. In modern times islanders have enjoyed a large amount of autonomy, their low individual and corporate taxation rates attracting investment and wealthy residents.
Language
‘Manx’, the island’s native tongue, is a Gaelic language with some similarities to Scots and Irish. Everybody on the island speaks English, and Manx is an endangered language that has been subject to many recent preservation efforts. The last native speaker of Manx died in 1974, and since then Manx has been taught to schoolchildren as a second language, and today there are many people who are bilingual speakers of Manx and English.
Weather
Weather on the Isle of Man is largely similar to that experienced in northwest England.
Currency
The Isle of Man operates in Pounds Sterling, but prints its own notes and coins. However, standard English notes and coins are accepted everywhere.
Attractions
Measuring only 30 miles long and 14 miles wide, the Isle of Man is nevertheless bursting with possibilities for the visitor. The island prides itself on offering a laid-back, relaxing holiday experience, however there are also many opportunities for children and the more active minded.
Motorbike race The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) is the island’s most well-known event and is an internationally recognised spectacle. Taking place over treacherous mountain roads, it is the oldest motorcycle race course in the world. The event runs for two weeks, traditionally the last week of May and the first week of June, and includes a number of nail-biting races and practice runs.
There are a large number of museums on the island, but the Manx Museum in Douglas, the capital town, is by far the biggest. Hosting exhibitions and galleries, and with a great deal of interactive and multimedia resources, the museum has something for everyone.
The island is littered with ruins and historical sites. Amongst these the ancient Castletown is particularly worthy of a visit. Founded in 1090, the town itself was the capital and centre of government on the island before Douglas. Sitting on the coast, the town is dominated by the medieval Castle Rushen, and bounded by the picturesque harbour.
The hill-top village of Cregnaesh is a fascinating place that was one of the last bastions of native Manx culture, and has been partly turned into a living museum. Its thatched cottages have been used as a backdrop for many popular British films.
The island’s various Parks, nature reserves, golf courses and planned cycle routes, should satisfy those with a passion for the outdoors. For the active minded, there are cycle routes planned across the whole island.
Shopping
On the whole shopping opportunities on the Isle of Man are focussed on Douglas. An assortment of big name shops found in most British towns populate the high street, alongside a few smaller local arts and crafts shops. Tynwald Mills shopping centre is worth a visit, and features an assortment of standard and discount shops, and craft stores.
Nightlife
Douglas is certainly the liveliest place to go in the evening, with numerous bars, a few nightclubs, and even a casino, all enjoying the option of a 24hr licence. Douglas also boasts the Palace Cinema, and the celebrated Gaiety Theatre. Dating from 1899, and retaining its original Victorian décor, the Gaiety puts on regular performances at night, and guided tours run in the day. Around the island most towns and villages feature delightful local pubs.
Driving
Driving is the ideal way to get around, the island’s roads all use standard English road signs, and you drive on the left. Less familiar to English drivers will be the lack of an upper speed limit on non-residential (‘National Speed Limit’) roads.
Food and Drink
With the majority of towns and villages situated on the coast, the Isle of Man specialises in seafood. Manx Lobster - with its unique and fine flavour, Queenies - a type of small scallop, and Manx kippers are the island’s specialities. Douglas features a variety of restaurants and cafés, mostly around the seafront area.
