The Isle of Man
(gaelic: Ellan Vannin)

Is the Isle of Man an English Island?

No !!!!! Absolutely not ! The Island is a unique self-governing kingdom  with a population of around 77,000 which belongs to neither the UK nor the European Union. It is a crown dependency. It has its own parliament (called Tynwald), laws, traditions, culture, cuisine and postage stamps. To the tourist it is known for the agreeable and relaxed pace of life, the same virtues appreciated by our Gaelic cousins across the water in Ireland and Scotland. Other differences include the Manx language and currency (though English is the spoken tongue, the Manx version of Gaelic boasts a growing popularity). Road and place names are generally in both languages.

The Three Legs of Man is the island's national symbol. It is thought to have it's origins in Scandinavian culture, the Island having been ruled by the Vikings in early times. Indeed the Tynwald Parliament is over 1000 years old and takes it's name from the Scandinavian word for "Meeting Place". It claims to be the oldest parliament in the world!

Although cold and windy in winter, the climate is generally mild due to the influence of the "gulf stream" which flows past the island. Palms and many varieties of plants grow on the island which are not able to survive inland in Britain.

The Manx cat - A tailless and distinctive native species bred on the Isle of Man. The origins are unknown, but some say that the species was originally brought to the Island from the far-east by sailors.

The "Four Horned" Loaghtan - A breed of sheep also unique to Isle of Man.

Kippers - Smoked and cured herrings. The Isle of Man variety are reputed to be the best available. Local curers even mail them vacuum packed all over the world. A visit to the fishing town of Peel is a must.

Basking Sharks - These are large marine animals growing up to 35 feet long and two tones in weight and can be observed in Manx waters. They are not dangerous unless provoked and live on a diet of plankton which they filter out of the sea water whilst swimming.

TT Races - Internationally renowed motorcycle races held on closed public roads. The course includes a mountain stretch and average speeds of over 120mph! Visitors travel to the Island from the whole world over for the two weeks of practicing and racing held at the start of June each year.

Historic Transport - Take a ride around Douglas bay on a horse tram. The trams run during the summer and connect the more than 100 year old electric railway with the even older narrow gauge steam railway. A spur of the electric railway also runs to the top of Snaefell mountain.

The island is also home to the largest water wheel in Europe if not in the world. The Laxey Wheel

For lots of Photos from the Isle of Man, see our interesting links page.

Peel Harbour

The Laxey Wheel

Al Lawrence of the Stationary Willberries with daughters at the Yn Cruinnaght Folk and Dance Festival

Photo-Page of Yn Cruinnaght 2004

From the top of "Snaefell" looking towards Scotland. The highest mountain on the Island app. 700m high.

Postage Stamp and £1 Coin from the Isle of Man

A Manx Cat

A Manx Fishing Boat

Manx Kippers (Link)

TT Road Races (Link)

Horse Tram