Isle of Man


I live in the Isle of Man. For those of you that don't know what or where that it, it's a little island in the middle of the Irish Sea in between England and Ireland.
Despite the islands' close proximity to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, it has its very own Nationality, so people from the Isle of Man are 'Manx'.

It also has its own language, Manx Gaelic, although it isn't used very much any more. However, It's still taught in local primary schools and there are plenty of Manx speakers. I'm not one of them, but I do know a few words and phrases in Manx, it's impossible to grow up on the island without picking up one or two bits of Manx.

As well as a unique nationality, The island has it's own parliament, currency (a Manx version of the pound sterling) and flag.


 The island is probably most famous for the annual TT 'Tourist Trophy' motorbike festival, one of the most dangerous road race circuits in the world.

The races have been held on the island almost every year since 1907 and continue to be one of the islands biggest tradition. Every summer in the last week of May and the first week of June, the island plays host to thousands of bikers from all over the world. 


The island is also home to one of the oldest continuous parliaments in the world. Tynwald, which was founded in AD 979 by Viking settlers is still going strong today. 

 
For such a small island we really pack a lot in. If you ever get the chance to visit you'll find plenty to see and do.

You could go and visit Castle Rushen in the South of the island. I went to school no far from Castle Rushen and some of my BEST school-time memories are of day trips out to the Castle.


or there's also Peel Castle in the West of the island (there's also a brilliant outdoor Shakespeare show in the castle grounds every summer, it's fantastic) 


if castles aren't really your thing, you could go visit the Laxey Wheel (also known as the Lady Isabella), the largest working waterwheel in the world, built in 1854 to pump water from the Great Laxey Mines.  


not in the mood for architecture, what about some transport? you've plenty to pick from, you could catch the electric tram all the way up to the top of Snaefell mountain in the North. Once you're up there you can have a nice cup of tea and look down on views of the entire island + if you're lucky you'll be able to see clear across the sea to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.


or maybe climb aboard the Steam Train and visit the South of the island. Perfect for watching the hills roll by and plenty of stops along the way for visiting local towns and villages + when you reach the end of the line you can treat yourself to a yummy lunch at the Station in Port St Mary. 


if you like to be beside the seaside, the Horse tram is perfect, take a trip along Douglas Promenade in the East and stop off for some delicious Manx ice cream


if you prefer something a little more whimsical, the Groudle Glen Railway is lots of fun for kids and adults alike. This miniature steam train runs along the cliff tops near Groudle bay, with a picturesque station  and halt nestled in the leafy Glen, take the train all the way to the Sea Lion rocks cafe. The railway also offer wonderful themed trips for children at Christmas, Easter and during the summer.


other than all of that, the island is the perfect place to kick back and unwind. It's incredibly beautiful (okay so i might be biased, but it's true!) everywhere you look there is another idyllic view.


whether it's a little bit cloudy... it's still super pretty!


or if it's deliciously sunny! (by the way this is the beach opposite my old Secondary school!)


or even freezing cold and snowy...


  it sure is one gorgeous place.


 I feel incredibly lucky to live here, every day I get to see sights like these and i'm very grateful for it.


so what are you waiting for! book a plane/boat and get to the Isle of Man
 + if you ever do manage to visit the island, let me know and I will be your personal tour guide!


for more info about the island check out this here page 


ps - as if all of that wasn't epic enough, the island is the birthplace of the Bee Gees. That's right folks, you heard me... the Bee Gees. You're welcome!




 

1 comment :

  1. You now must match the “point” before you roll a seven to win. These are games to which 1xbet Casino firms can add value via optimization. It is very unlikely that any other game will challenge Coin Master. Even Pet Master from the identical company is far from a assured success.

    ReplyDelete