What`s to see on the Isle of Man?
 

Is 3/4 days long enough to cover the main sights?On my home to Australia I thought I`d like to see it. All suggestions welcome.

I'm guessing yes. Its charm are few and far between I think. Almost got posted there with work for a few weeks.

Unless you have some family connection or other reason to visit, I would really question whether the cost of flying to the Isle of Man is worth it. In winter it is cold with strong often gale force winds making flying an adventure in itself, in summer it is cool since it is surrounded by water with no real charm whatsoever, its hayday as a destination has passed, I found the locals untrusting and suspicious of 'outsiders' even though they used to be dependent on them. The low tax regime means it has become something of a financial centre but a small island in the Caribbean it certainly isn't!

I actually quite enjoyed my visit to the Isle of Man. I'm not sure how much there is to do there in winter though. I stayed a couple of days, which was enough.

I suggest you look at www.isleofman.com and see what, if anything is open.

There are no speed limits on the island outside of built up areas... the cars on 'Top Gear' are often tested here for that reason. (co host Jeremy Clarkson also has a home here for tax reasons).

There's the famous TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle race and it's course around the island.

The Isle reputedly has the oldest Parliament in the world...the Tynwald... although there is no concrete evidence it is that old.

And then there are the famous Manx cats and Manx sheep...

Since you obviously have an interest... why not go? It's a long way from Australia. A friend's father was from there and I've always been interested in the tiny countries like Lictenstein, Andorra etc so I've always wanted to visit Man and the Channel Islands too...

Rob

I will actually be going home in April so i`m assuming the weather will be a little kinder then.It does not sound very welcoming, but i`m still curious. Rob ,I`m no really into the beasties of the island. it`s the scenery & history that interests me.Hetsmij2 where did you stay?

I've been twice -- but waaaaaay back in the mid-70's for the TT.

Vaguely remember pretty cliffs and some great beaches - and freezing my a$$ off :)

IOM has some nice scenery, interesting small towns, a few castles, fishing ports, moderately interesting museums, a Viking history, a small remnant of its own Gaelic language, some old mines (one of which was drained by the Laxey Wheel), Snaefell.

And Douglas.

If you saw the movie "Waking Ned Devine", you saw the Isle of Man. They filmed it there, mostly at the Cregnish Village at the very south-western tip of the island, since it was supposed to be set in Ireland, but Ireland of years ago. And that is why they chose Cregnish Village, Isle of Man. It looks like we think of Ireland, much more so than Ireland looks today, if you get what I mean. The cottages used in the movie are still there.
http://www.iomguide.com/cregneashvillage.php

I loved the island, Castletown, with its castle and old grammar school, and the bridge where you must shout "Good morning, Fairies" as you cross it, or have bad luck the entire day...if not longer??!?!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_Bridge_(Isle_of_Man)

I stayed in the Falcon's Nest hotel, Port Erin, and loved the place, but not all do. It is something rare, and for me, perfect.
http://www.isleofman.com/Business/f/falconsnest/

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...n.html#REVIEWS

What time of year will you be there.

In last summer, it is one of the best places in the world to see these. Fairly spectacular sight, make Jaws look like a tiddler but very harmless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-BHzVKnMwM

Thanks for the info,I`m encouraged by the last few replies,so i`m going to visit IOM.Is 3 nights enough? How easy is it to get around? Bus,car?I`ll be there 2nd week of April.I`m guessing it will be cold and windy?

Susielou

I have spent most of my life living in SW Scotland and the north of England whilst looking onto the IOM. Many people have a downer on it. This seems mainly to derive from the fact that the culture and landscape there doesn't differ enough from the mainland to justify the trip over, as opposed to say Ireland.

I think many wallow in the travel snobery of knowing that there are "better" places locally which take less effort to see.

It is a great little place and 3 days would be perfect.

Weather: buying a winning lottery ticket is easier to predict. last year our best weather of the year was the third week of April - 80oF in SW Scotland. Same the year before but this time mid May. July and August have been dire recently.

In short, pack for anything between a snow storm or beach wear! Sorry not to be more specific!

Thanks DickieG,I`m booking my trip in the next day or two!
Any other advise re local travel?