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Isle of Man/Mannin
Isle of Man lies in the middle of the British Isles, in the Irish Sea between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. More on Isle of Man and its history
Manx-Celtic trails
We have divided the island into five trails. Each trail is based upon a geographical area and incorporates sites of historical interest. We will also point out other features such as glens, nature reserves, Celtic and Scandinavian Crosses and some of the towns and villages along the routes.
We hope to give a picture of the unique character of the Island and the cultural forces that have contributed to its development.
Highlights of the trails
Southeast trail/Shiar ass raad
This trail begins in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, and covers sites found on the south-east of the island. Before setting out on the trail though, we recommend a visit to the Manx Museum in Douglas. Sites included on this trail include a Celtic stone roundhouse called The Braaid, the standing stones known as St Patrick's Chair, The Broogh Fort, and the Celtic iron-age promontory fort of Cronk ny Merriu
Southwest trail/Sheear yiass raad
This trail travels through the south-west of the island. It begins at the village of Ballasalla, site of the 12th century Rushen Abbey. Continuing on we will visit the fortress of Castle Rushen, the ancient execution site of Hango Hill, and the Celtic St Michael's Chapel. We will visit a viking burial ship site and a Celtic chapel and hill fort at Balladoole. The viking Ballaqueeney Cross is the largest cross on the island. Cregneash is home to a living museum dedicated to preserving Manx culture. The neolithic stone circle of Cronk Karran and the curiously named Calf of Mann. The Meayll Circle is a megalithic chambered tomb with spectacular views over the coastal town of Port Erin and the Irish coastline beyond. The final site on this trail is Cronk Howe Mooar.
West trail/Sheear raad
This trail covers the western part of the island. It takes us to the village of St John's, location of the Giant's Grave dating back to 1000BC, the Ballaharra standing stones from 2300BC and the ancient Norse Tynwald Hill, site of the oldest continuous parliament in the world. We then move on to Peel, site of the historic Peel Castle and the House of Manannan Museum, named after the Celtic Sea Diety, Manannan mac Lir.
North trail/Twoaie raad
This trail visits sites on the northern side of the island. It visits Cleigh yn Arragh, an ironage fort, then onto Cronk Sumark, a fort with breathtaking views over the Manx north plain. Finally to the incomplete civil war fort of Kerroogarroo.
East trail/Niar raad
This, the final trail of the island, visits the sites on the east. It include a visit to the village of Maughold with its collection of ancient Norse and Celtic crosses to Ballafayle Cairn dating back to 2000BC. We then move to Cashtal yn Ard, one of the best preserved neolithic tombs of its type on the British isles. In the direction of Laxey, we come to the Spiral Stone and onwards to King Orry's Grave, a megalithic tomb.