ISLE OF MAN - BRITAIN

ISLE OF MAN  
SATELLITE PICTURE

The British Isle of Man is definite a holiday worth your while. It is in the middle of the Irish Sea with an equal distance to England and Northern Ireland. Although it has its own government it is still part of the British Isles and called Crown Dependency.

Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State and Lord of Man. She is represented by the Lieutenant Governor and the Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Crown every five years. Their parliament is called Tynwald and it is the oldest in the world. It has been in power continuously for 1000 years. Every year on 5 July the Tynwald parliament meets on Tynwald Hill and reads the new laws being passed during the last year. This is read in Manx, which is the language on the island and in English. The reason for this is that residents can't claim they don't know anything about it.

The permanent government buildings are based in the capital, Douglas.

Douglas is on the east coast of the island where the river Dhoo and Glass meet. These rivers gave the capital its name. The other rivers are Neb, Silverburn and the Sulby which is the island longest river with 17km. In the north and south of the central uplands are flat and fertile plains. The mountainous region has the highest point of 621m and is called Snaefell.

A very distinguished animal is the Manx cat. It has no tail as a matter of mutation. To preserve this unique cat a special breeding programme had been set up.  On the south-west coast lays a small island called Calf of Man and is by the swift tidal waters of The Sound from the mainland.  Grey seal frolic in the waters. The Calf of Man is a sanctuary for many rare seabirds and the four-horned logthan sheep.

The Isle of Man is also famous for holding their annual motorbike races. This race attracts 540,000 or more of visitors. It also increases tourism which is one of the isles most important industries.

FOUR-HORNED 
LOGTHAN SHEEP

THE BRAAD, 
CENTRE OF THE ISLE 
ONE ROUND HOUSE
 TWO LONGHOUSES 
BUILT BY A CELTIC NORSE MAN
650 - 950 AD

Large numbers of cattle, for dairy products as well as for beef, are raised on the isle. Also they rear sheep, grow cereal, seed potatoes, wool and flowers. Their herrings are processed and the famous Manx skippers as well as scallops are well in demand. All these products are for the export market and bring currencies to the economy. Important industries are electronics, plastics, engineering and food processing. However, because of the island's tax regime most of the more lucrative contribution is in the financial section, like banking and packaged investment.

According to Manx folklore, the Isle of Man gets its name from a warlock called Manannan. During a visit in 447 AD St Patrick wanted to break the spell of the Mananna on the island. He couldn't decide what to do? The Warlock saw St Patrick indecision and taunted him, "Whichever way you throw me, I stand". St Patrick turned him into a three-legged symbol and that became the Island's emblem.

DOUGLAS SEA PROMINADE

HORSE DRAWN TRAM 
IN DOUGLAS

If you decided to spend a holiday on the Isle of Man you can enjoy Douglas, the capital, and take a leisurely ride along the promenade in the world's oldest horse-drawn trams. These trams date from 1876. For lovers of trains there is a vintage steam train to Port Erin. You will find an electric train to Ramsey and Laxey where you will find the world's largest working waterwheel. Another enjoyment will be, taking the Snaefell Mountain Railway right up to the summit of the island's highest peak and on arriving there you find a glorious view as far as you can see.

Considering all these, you will find that the Isle of Man is a holiday worth you while and for the whole family.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.

A beautiful Island with breathtaking scenery and unspoilt beaches. It can be reach by plane or boat from England, Wales or Scotland. It is definitely a holiday worth your while and ideal for a short break but after you have been there once; you will want to go back for a longer holiday.

CASTLETOWN HARBOUR

LAXEY BEACH

HOLIDAY INFORMATION:   For all your Isle of Man bookings requirement visig contact:  www.destination-isle-of-man.com #holidayisleofman