Douglas Trip Overview
The Isle of Man is a special place located in the middle of the Irish Sea – scattered over the Island are the remains of the Hunter Gathers, monuments from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, as well the Iron Age and later Vikings.
This tour takes show you the highlights visiting off the beaten track sites
Additional Info
Duration: 8 hours
Starts: Douglas, United Kingdom
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Douglas Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Douglas, Isle of Man, United Kingdom
The Isle of Man is a special place located in the middle of the Irish Sea – scattered over the Island are the remains of the Hunter Gathers, monuments from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, as well the Iron Age and later Vikings.
This tour takes show you the highlights visiting off the beaten track sites
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Lonan Old Church, Ballakiley Farm Road Port Groudle, south to the Snaefell mines and Brandywell Corner, Laxey
The Celtic Cross at St. Adamnan’s Church
This slightly wonky cross found in the churchyard of St.Adamnan’s Church is an 8 feet high wheel head grave marker beautifully decorated with celtic knot-work. Dating to the early 10th century, it still stands in its original position. .
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Baldrine, Baldrine, Isle of Man
The Cloven Stones
This a small circle of twelve stones, one of which is six feet high and is remarkable as being cloven from top to bottom. The remains of a neolithic site referred to as the Cloven Stones may have been the site of an ancient grave.
Stop At: Laxey, Laxey, Isle of Man
King Orry’s Grave – Gretch Veg
This Neolithic burial cairn in Laxey is set in two locations which are across the road from each other. Set high above the Laxey valley, this burial site would have been prominent in the landscape from around 4000 years ago.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Ballaragh Road, Ballaragh Rd, Laxey, Isle of Man IM4, Isle of Man
Triple Spiral Stone
An ancient engraving in a stone on the roadside this spiral carving dates from possibly the late Neolithic or early Bronze age around 2000BC.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Cashtal yn Ard, in the north east of the island, on a hill between Glenmona and Cornaa, Maughold
Cashtal yn Ard
Also called the ‘Castle of the Height’, this stone burial site was built in around 2000 BC. The site is shrouded in mystery and mythology as the discovery of a strange arrangement of stone slabs has never been explained, though some believe it could have been used as a communal burial place for Neolithic chieftains and their families.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Ballafayle Cairn, Unclassified road On the unclassified Road between Ballajora and Cornaa, Ramsey
Ballafayle
This Neolithic burial cairn is believed to date from 2000 – 1500 BC. Placed in a stunning position with magnificent view of the Cumbrian coast and hills of the Lake District in England.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Maughold Village Church, Maughold
The Maughold Monastery & Celtic Crosses
Kirk Maughold Church is one of the oldest churches on the Island and it is the site of vast importance for the Island’s history, heritage and culture with elements dating back to the sixth century. With stunning views across the sea and green fields, this place became one of the most important sites of the early period and was regularly frequented by pilgrims across the ages.
See the Island’s largest collection of carved Celtic and Viking Crosses in the grounds of the church including one of the earliest examples of the Triskellion, the Manx three legs emblem.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Tynwald National Park and Arboretum, St Johns
Tynwald Hill
Tynwald Hill is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Isle of Man and symbolises the link between its past, its present and its future. The traditional ancient meeting place of the Manx parliamentary assembly, dating back at least to the late first millennium AD. There is a widespread belief that the hill contains earth from all 17 of the island’s ancient parishes; but .there is no record to confirm this to be true.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Tynwald National Park and Arboretum, St Johns
The Giant’s Grave
A Bronze Age burial mound which, in local folklore, is said to be the burial site of the legendary King of Man, Godred Crovan, known as King Orry.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Niarbyl Bay, Dalby Village IM5 3BR
Niarbyl Rock Art
See this remarkable stone with rows of cup marks carved into the surface, estimated to date from Neolithic or Bronze Age. Niarby Bay is a secluded beauty spot with views of the dramatic coastline and rolling hills.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Meayll Hill Stone Circle, Port Erin
Meayll Hill Stone Circle
The most outstanding of the Manx megaliths, this stone circle is made up of twelve individual stone graves. This Neolithic chambered cairn is dated from the late Neolithic or early Bronze age. With far reaching views over Port Erin towards Fleshwick, there is a certain atmosphere here that gives this place a special quality.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Balladoole Heritage Site, Isle of Man IM9, Isle of Man
Balladoole and Chapel Hill
The site is best known for its viking longship burial dated from between 850-950AD, the burial contained a norse longship, a viking male with his possessions, and a female who was possibly a sacrificed slave. With beautiful views across the southern coast of the island, this is a magical and evocative place.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Fairy Bridge, A5 Port Erin To Douglas Road, Mount Murray
Fairy Bridge
Our journey back to base takes us over the Fairy Bridge. A superstition is to greet the “Little People” when crossing the Fairy Bridge; it is considered unlucky not to!
Duration: 5 minutes
