Visiting the Isle of Man

A visit can be a very heartwarming experience, especially when you know that this is the land from which your ancestors originated. Many of us have travelled to the island, and the purpose of this page is to share our experiences of what to expect and what not to miss. We have no business connection to any of these entities being recommended.

Getting There

You aren't going to find any direct flights from the US, so travel to England or Ireland is the first step. From there, you have two primary ways to get to the island: local airlines or the Steam Packet Ferry.

Road signs in the UK tend to be a bit different than those in the US. The intersections will direct you towards a town, but might not indicate the particular route number that you are on. A detailed local map is a good investment. For planning purposes www.rac.co.uk/web/routeplanner is roughly similar to Google Maps or Mapquest for the US.

Air travel availability to the island tends to change, as various carriers adjust their routes to keep their planes full. Most of the traffic volume for is from Liverpool, Manchester, and Gatwick. Ronalsdway Airport has a list of the carriers currently serving the IOM, and links to their websites.

The Steam Packet transports passengers, vehicles, and cargo from Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, or Heysham. You can make reservations over the internet from the US. Beware that the terminal at Liverpool is very difficult to find your way to, if unfamiliar with Liverpool. A navigation system and/or a current local map of Liverpool are strongly recommended. Heysham is much easier on the nerves and only an hour or so further north.

Travel in the Island

Car Rental is available near the Steam Packet Terminal in Douglas or Ronalsdway Airport. Not many are equipped with automatic transmissions, and you will find many instances where it is necessary to start and stop on a slope. You may wish to enquire if the rental car has any special "features", such as a panel with a 4 digit code that must to be entered each time you started the car. If you make a mistake, it won't let you try again for a half hour.

One thing that you might keep in mind when planning for transportation:

- many roads are very narrow
- they drive on the left
- and there are no speed limits outside of the towns.

If you rent a car, select one that is narrower, if possible.

Many enthusiasts bring their motorcycles to the island. With the exception of the motorcycle scene in "Waking Ned Devine", most people ride wearing full racing leathers and good helmets.

Keith & Lorraine Handley have a description of a trip in August 2006 here

There is a wealth of information available on the web. Try www.visitisleofman.com who can send you their 107 page brochure filled with beautiful photos and lots of listings of accommodations. Many of the listings are for bed and breakfasts that you won't find on the internet.

An extensive travel website specializing in travel to and around the island is travel.holidays.com.

Lodging

www.visitisleofman.com has a fairly extensive listing of accomodations. They can also send you their 107 page brochure filled with photos and listings. Some of the listings are for bed and breakfasts that you won't find on the internet.

Many of the smaller hotels and B&B's don't have a web presence, so a phone call may be your best source of info.

If you are intending to travel during any period that the TT races are being held, be sure to book very early. Note that some less desirable rooms are only used during the TT because accommodations are so scarce. Call or email to make sure what you are getting, expecially if its discounted significantly below that of the other rooms

If staying in Douglas or Onchan, be aware that it has a somewhat rainy "microclimate" caused by the surrounding hills.

The Ballacallin Inn comes highly recommended by two different members. It is located in an area that requires your own transportation to reach it, but is well worth a stay. They have great food at their on-site Pub, a fine view of the sun setting over the Irish Sea, and friendly people.

Where to Eat

Food and restaurant critic, A A Gill, has rated Isle of Man restaurant, Ciappelli's, as one of the top restaurants for 2006 - the only one he nominated outside of London - in The Sunday Times 'Style' magazine. Mr Gill, renowned for his harsh criticism and caustic turn of wit, gave Ciappelli's four stars, placing it alongside nine top London restaurants including The Wallace Collection and The Wolseley.

Things to Do

The House of Manannan, Peel Castle, Castle Rushen, and Cregneash are all "can't miss". The House of Mannanin is exceptionally well done, and compares favorably to cultural exhibits anywhere.

The Manx Museum in Douglas is more of a traditional museum, and the place to embark on any genealogical research. Allow for enough time if you want to dig deep. Spending an hour in the library while your family tours the museum won't get you very far.

Get out of the car and go for a walk along trails that ring the coastline. You meet all sorts of fascinating people outside of the tourist areas.