Isle of Man - Fairies and Myths
The Isle of Man is a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea, halfway between the UK and Ireland and is filled with stories of the fairy folk,mythical folk and giants. The Famous TT Motorbike race held at the end of May/beginning of June each year is what most people think of when coming to the island. However, there is much more to this island than just motorbikes. There is a whole lot more to explore and discover.
This island kingdom with Viking and Celtic roots is bound to have a rich folklore and in the Isle of Man folk tales and mythical creatures are to be found around every corner.
There is a Manx language which although not used any more can still be seen on road signs and place names. The Isle of Man has it's own Government “Tynwald” at over 1000 years old it is the oldest parliament in the world. Manx cats have no tails. The Isle of Man has its own bank notes. The Isle of Man flag, featuring three armored legs known as the Three Legs of Mann is a Triskellion and the motto is wherever you shall throw me I will stand, representing stability, strength and independence.
Isle of Man folklore is deeply ingrained in daily life, featuring a rich tradition of fairies known as the mooinjer veggey (little people). They are considered mischievous, 2–3 ft tall creatures, often seen on horseback in green jackets, residing in ancient mounds or gorse bushes. It is customary for locals to greet the fairies when crossing the famous Fairy Bridge or bad luck may follow. Known for being unpredictable, they can be benevolent or malevolent, sometimes stealing children or misdirecting travelers.
Finn McCool is a legend of Celtic folklore, responsible for the formation of both the Isle of Man and the Giants Causeway in Ireland. The story is that Finn, a giant of massive strength, was in pursuit of a Scottish rival and hurled a huge clod of earth at him. However it missed its target and fell into the Irish Sea, thus creating the Isle of Man. The Manx tradition is that Finn McCool became very fond of the island, and later made his home on a clifftop near Creagneash. A later exploit saw him fighting the Buggane (a Manx giant), a battle which caused the Calf of Man to break off from the main island.
Come and visit some of the prettiest villages and towns there is, Douglas the Capital City with plenty to see and do, such as the Manx Museum, which tells you all about the islands origins. The largest town Ramsey in the North of the Island, a fishing port and where the Manx Electric Tramway starts/finishes. Then across to the East of the Island where you can visit the world famous Laxey Wheel (The Lady Isabella) and her smaller sister (The Lady Evelyn) in the village of Laxey and also go up the islands only Mountain "Snaefell", once said to be the home to the Manx God Mannanan who shrouds the island in mist to hide it from the outside world. To the South of the Island you will find some pretty towns and villages such as Castletown, once the old Capital of the island with its Medieval castle in the centre of town, Port Erin and Port St Mary, the Calf of Man Lookout Point with the Sound Cafe, the perfect stop for a coffee & cake and to look out for the Seals that "
may" be basking on the rocks below. Peel on the West Coast is one of the nicest villages on the island with St Patricks Isle and Castle and the House of Mannanan and some of the best Ice Cream around (Watch out for the Seagulls!) and the old Manx Parliment Site Tynwald in the centre of the Island in St John's with its historic mound and where the current Manx government holds a wonderful ceremony every 5th July.
The Isle of Man is filled with myths, legends, stories and breathtaking beauty around every corner. This island is a tick off the bucket list place to visit.
Whats included
- Escorted Luxury Coach Travel with reserved seating
- Experienced Tour Driver & Courier
- Extra legroom and comfortable seats
- USB charging points and Free WiFi onboard the coach
- Ferries from Heysham to Douglas and return
- 4 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas
- Refreshments served onboard the coach (small fee)
- Porterage included
- Entertainment on two evenings
Excursions.Ramsey to Laxey via the Electric Tram
Snaefell Mountain Railway
Peel and Tynwald
Castletown and Calf of Man
Day at leisure in Douglas
