The Isle of Attractions - The Isle of Man

Senior Times

Zaryab Malik is impressed by the Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man has traditionally been a popular holiday or break destination for the Irish, and now the island’s tourist bodies are in overdrive to promote its undoubted diverse appeal. For some years it was fighting a losing battle with the Mediterranean hotspots, but tourists numbers have steadily risen again - notably from Ireland - as we once again recognise its many attractions.

Isle of Man

This is not hard to understand - it has everything: stunning scenery, villages and beauty spots, parks and gardens, national glens, visitors centres and nature reserves, entertainment, theatres and arts, museums and folklore and much, much more.

And for the energetic, there’s a wealth of leisure and recreational options, including golf, walking, cycling, pony trekking and riding and fishing. For the golfer there are no less than nine challenging courses to choose from, including Castletown which has hosted PGA tournaments. All these courses are playable throughout the year, and the bonus is that queuing to tee off is very much an exception.

Recognising that walking is one of the most popular pastimes for seniors, the authorities have designed a number of walks - ranging from the long-distance (90 miles!) to the heritage trail (10 miles) down to number of shorter walks around the main towns of Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown, Peel and Port St Mary.

Towns and Resorts

Douglas port is the capital and focal point of the island for shopping, eating out, entertainment and day-today amenities. The Victorian promenade is a wide and sweeping two-mile crescent -- an irresistible invitation or stroll, relax and take in the invigorating sea air.

Ramsey is the second largest town with its distinctive harbour, Victorian pier and no less than 10 miles of sands. Ramsey is the furthest town from Douglas but linked to it by three spectacular routes - the mountain road, coast road and -- one of the Island’s most popular attractions, with the Laxey Wheel - the Manx Electric Railway.

On the west coast Peel has a number of interesting features for the visitor, including the Castle and Cathedral. Kippers are another of its claims to fame. Castletown is situated on the south coast and is the former capital of the island. It is a charming town with a quaint harbour and a variety of small museums. Nearby is Port Erin, one of the island’s favourite seaside resorts.

Cuisine

As you would expect the island’s cuisine majors largely on shellfish, including the famous kippers, queenie scallops, crab, lobster. But not forgetting Ballacushag beef and succulent, low-cholesterol Loaghtan lamb.

Getting There

Air:
EuroManx airlines operates from Dublin, Belfast and Galway to the Isle of Man.
For booking information telephone: 0818 444 846
Website: www.euromanx.com

Sea:
The Isle of Man Steam Packet company operates from Dublin to Douglas.
For information telephone: (01) 8364019.

Isle of Man Tourist Board:
Telephone: (01) 8744455

Isle of Man Holidays:
Telephone: (01) 8744444

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