Flight and hotel Isle of Man
Discover the Isle of Man
Located in the Irish Sea, the 221 square miles that make up the Isle of Man are a craggy mass, with smooth slate peaks in the centre. It was once inhabited by scores of Irish missionaries. During the 13th century, the islanders adopted a Scandinavian-style governing system, which still remains today. This self-governing island has been a Crown possession since the 1800s and is not formally part of the UK. Home to the world’s largest waterwheel, the Isle of Man also boasts heritage railways and a unique coastline. Visitors taking a flight to and hotel on the Isle of Man will discover a fascinating heritage spanning the millennia.
What to know before your Isle of Man package holidays
Take a flight to the Isle of Man and you’ll end up at the Isle of Man Airport (IOM). It’s well served by buses going to Ballasalla, Douglas, Santon, Castletown and Port Erin, and there are taxis and various car hire companies on site. You’ll find plenty of cheap flights from Cork to the Isle of Man as well as flights from Dublin.
When should you visit the Isle of Man?
With its temperate climate and high rainfall, the Isle of Man’s weather matches its rugged terrain. Come prepared with waterproof clothing and a good pair of boots, and you’ll find any time of year is good to visit. The island fills with visitors each summer with the annual Isle of Man TT motorbike races, and there is a host of other festivals held throughout the year, including the popular Beer and Cider Festival in spring and the Literature Festival in September. Why not spend the weekend on the Isle of Man?
What is there to do on the Isle of Man?
With mountain trails and craggy coastline, the Isle of Man makes for the perfect outdoor getaway. Visitors taking their package holidays on the Isle of Man will quickly discover there’s plenty to do here.
- Follow the Raad ny Foillan coastal path for picturesque scenery and glimpses of wildlife.
- If you don’t feel like hiking, take a Segway tour and see the forest on two wheels.
- For city breaks on the Isle of Man, head to Douglas to discover a shopping and entertainment hub.
- Explore hidden caves by sea kayak.
- Sail on a yacht around the coast.
- Climb the dramatic Manx coastline.
- See the island on horseback on a countryside hack.
- See puffins and other wild birds on a wildlife tour.
What can you see on the Isle of Man?
With a unique culture stretching far into the past, the Isle of Man is home to some fascinating landmarks. Take a flight to and hotel on the Isle of Man to discover its rich history.
- Tynwald Hill is said to be built from earth taken from the island's 17 ancient parishes. A reminder of the island’s independence, the hill is its most important landmark.
- Visit the Great Laxey Wheel and Mines Trail for an example of Victorian engineering. The waterwheel is still the largest in the world and is a source of local pride.
- One of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe is Rushen Castle. Boasting panoramic sea views and a pretty garden, it’s a must-see attraction.
- The Manx Museum is the place to go to buff up on local history.
Eating on the Isle of Man
Isle of Man residents pride themselves on their traditional fare, so you’d better come hungry. You’ll find local apple juice and cider, homegrown lamb and pork and an array of delicious hand-baked pies and pastries. Being an island, it offers plenty of fresh seafood, and visitors taking city breaks to the Isle of Man will find high-quality food in town, including international cuisine and a selection of vegetarian restaurants. Island specialties include a flatbread called bonnag and Manx kippers.
What to shop for on the Isle of Man
Spend just a weekend on the Isle of Man and you’ll want to take a part of it home with you. The capital city, Douglas, has all the high street names, and for something different, head to Castletown and browse its independent shops. For something local, opt for a piece of crafted Celtic jewellery, a TT merchandise T-shirt or a brass Manx cat.