Golf
If you've only ever associated golf with Scotland, the USA or golf breaks in Portugal or Spain, then you've been missing out. Whoever said golf is good walk spoiled, obviously never visited the Isle of Man.
To a golfer, you don't need to be told just what an all-absorbing game it can be...on a good day! What you might need to know, though, is what a truly memorable experience golfing in the Isle of Man can be. Although just 33 miles long by 13 wide, the Island has nine golf courses (eight 18-hole ones and a nine-holes) and a population of 80,000, there's a good chance that you won't be facing long queues, whichever course you choose. For more information on golf courses on the Isle of Man Click Here
Even if you're staying only a few days you'll have the opportunity to visit a number of different golf clubs - no one course is much more than 45 minutes by car from any other.
And like the courses, the roads are uncrowded so you'll arrive fresh and ready to take on any challenge the fairways and greens might present.
And challenge it will be, for the Island's courses will tax even the 'Nick Faldos' of this world, and there is one additional and major distraction when golfing in the Isle of Man...the breathtaking views. Whichever course you play, you'll be surrounded by sensational scenery - stunning coastal views and heather moorlands - it's enough to make even the grimmest score seem bearable.
'Rabbit', 'tiger' or otherwise, golfing in the Isle of Man is unique. Thanks to our favourable climate, golfing is virtually a year-round activity with few days' play lost to snow or fog. What's more, that special warm Manx welcome extends equally to the club houses where the visiting golfer will seldom be a stranger for long.
From championship golf courses to the one nine hole golf course, golfing in the Isle of Man is a very special experience...Just imagine a short break in the Isle of Man, with the UK less than two and a half hours away by fastcraft, or a leisurely ferry crossing lasting just 3 and a half hours...With the added benefits of being able to bring your own car, no passport control, no jet lag, no need to rise at the crack of dawn to avoid the queues, just the vexing question of which one of our eight magnificent courses to try today.
Why not let Steam Packet Holidays do the work for you, we can provide you with a ferry and accommodation inclusive package for your short break in the Isle of Man.
Bird Watching
For the birdwatcher a short break in the Isle of Man offers a rich assortment of species, several of which are rarities in other parts of the British Isles, in a variety of habitats of exceptional beauty.
The Island is about 31miles/50 km in length and 12 miles/20 km at its broadest point and occupies a central position in the northern part of the Irish Sea. It is dominated by two ranges of hills, clad in heather or grass moorland which rise to 2034 ft/621 m. at Snaefell in the north and to 1585 ft/483 m. at South Barrule. There are flat, but ornithologically valuable lowlands in the north (which include the Ayres and Ballaugh Curragh) and the south-east with the Langness peninsula. The coastline is mostly composed of slate cliffs, interrupted here and there by sandy bays and tiny shingle coves. In the north there are sand dunes which separate the lowland heath of the Ayres from the sea, while across the narrow Sound off the south-west point of the main is a hilly islet, the Calf of Man, site of an important Bird Observatory administered by Manx National Heritage (MNH). Well-marked long distance footpaths explore almost the entire coast, providing frequent opportunities of seeing such Manx specialities as Peregrine, Chough and Raven. Fulmar and Shag are widely distributed but there are only four Cormorant colonies.
A few of the more spectacular cliffs have Kittiwake and Guillemot colonies, while there is a good scatter of places where Black Guillemots nest.
Stonechats are common on the gorse and bramble scrub which is such a typical feature of the steep coastal brooghs -a Gaelic word for the grassy slopes which lead down to the sea.
Except for the height of the summer, parties of Purple Sandpiper can be found at several well-established sites on the rocky coast. Little Tern, with as many as seventy pairs in some years, are the most important breeding birds of the Ayres shore.
The Millennium Way takes the walker from Sky Hill near Ramsey 27 miles/42 km. over the hills and through farmland to Castletown. This is Raven country, with the possible chance of Merlin; but the bird of the Manx hills is now the Hen Harrier, which first nested in 1977 in the failed plantation of Glen Rushen. There has since been a rapid expansion throughout all appropriate habitats. By 1990 more than forty pairs were nesting and the largest roost in Western Europe had been established at Ballaugh Curraghs, with smaller numbers at Stoney Mountain.
Along the fast flowing streams Grey Wagtails are common, but surprisingly the Dipper is almost unknown and while Common Sandpipers are seen regularly on passage, they have rarely bred. Many of these streams pass through wooded glens where Chiffchaff, the increasingly successful Blackcap and Treecreeper are the typical birds - Silverdale, Port Soderick and Laxey Glens are best for birds while Ballaglass, Tholt-y - Will, Glen Helen and Glen Maye have the finest scenery. The steeo wooded slopes overlooking the northern plain have breeding Sparrowhawks and Woodcock and here there is always the chance of a Wood Warbler in May.
Much of the moorland has been turned over to conifer plantations. Some have been established for more than 100 years and have ornithologically attractive clearings and areas of failed plantation. During the last decade Siskin, and more recently Crossbill, have begun to colonise the coniferous plantations, while the smaller plantations and shelter belts frequently support a pair of Long-eared Owls (as in Ireland, the commonest owl) and the very young plantations may attract Short-eared Owls.
Of the several reservoirs, Kerrowdhoo holds a variety of wildfowl in winter as do the two smaller Foxdale dams - Eairy and Kionslieu. In the north, the tiny Glascoe Dub and nearby Ballacorey are always worth a look.
Curragh or willow carr is one of the most important habitats, the prime example being Ballaugh Curragh, a considerable expanse of marshland supporting a rich growth of willow and birch, together with Bog Myrtle. Renowned for its great Hen Harrier roost, it has a fine variety of birdlife at all seasons. The less extensive Greeba Curragh, stretching eastward from St. John's, is easily reached by the old railway track from which roding Woodcock can invariably be seen on spring evenings.
The compact nature of the Isle of Man makes it an ideal destination for bird lovers of all ages, if you don’t want to bring your own transport with you the islands network of bus and railways allows easy access to most areas mentioned above. ‘Rail Rover’ tickets can be added to your holiday or short break package and will allow you full use of the transport network.
For more information see: www.visitisleofman.com/activities/birdwatching/
Sea Sport
There is a tremendous variety of sailing from the Isle of Man - suitable for both experienced sailors and the novice, from the comparative calm of Douglas and Ramsey bays, to the rugged coastlines of the north and south of the Island. Whether its leisurely cruising or exhilarating racing, the Island is an ideal location. In addition, dinghy racing is becoming extremely popular, with regular races held on Sundays during the winter at Baldwin reservoir. The Round the Island Yacht Race is a major event in the Island's sailing calendar, but throughout the year there is a wide variety of races and trials to test sailing skills.
Set in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Island is very much a 'staging post' for visiting yachtsman from Ireland, the north-west coast of Engalnd, Wales, or south-west Scotland.
There is a keen sailing fraternity in the Island with six sailing clubs, and a number of picturesque harbours, including Douglas, Ramsey, Peel, Laxey, Port St Mary, Port Erin and Castletown.
More details of this and other events can be viewed at: www.visitisleofman.com/activities/seasport/harbours.xml
If your own boat is not up to the trip why not take a short break in the Isle of Man and see what the island has to offer.
Cycling
This guide details six cycling trails through the Island's dramatic countryside, for you to explore. The trails vary in difficulty giving plenty of opportunity for all levels of capability.
The Ramsey trail offers easy cycling for everyone. The Castletown trail is scenic, slightly hilly and largely on small country lanes. The Peel trail, if you opt for the short cut, is easy, offering pleasant scenery with plenty of attractions. Laxey is a short ride but very hilly, Port Erin even longer and hilly. Douglas is a longer ride for the keen cyclist, and gives a great day out exploring the hilly countryside around the Island's capital. Or you could always try your hand at some of the mountain bike trails on offer. See www.manxmtb.org for details.
All six cycling trails are shown on this map with a written description of each. All six trails are distinctly signed with the route number and directions as illustrated.
Although the Island is not part of the UK, you will find the road signs are familiar. You can obtain a copy of the Manx Highway Code at most bookshops. With few exceptions, all roads are narrow and do not give good visibility due to bends and changes in gradient. Ride with care, observe the Highway Code and enjoy the Island.
The start and end points of all trails except the Peel trail are accessible by Steam Train or Manx Electric Railway Tram. Pedal cycles can be carried at modest cost on both the steam railway and MER tramway, subject to space being available.
It is recommended that you check in advance that there is likely to be space available on the steam train or MER by calling in or phoning the railway company on 663366. Cycles cannot be conveyed on buses.
To encourage you to travel , bicycles are free on the ferry and ‘Rail Rover’ tickets to cover the period of your short break on the Isle of Man , can be purchased from Steam Packet Holidays when making your ferry and accommodation booking.
For more details on cycle hire please go to www.iomcyclehire.co.uk
Heritage
The Story of Mann is the main public presentation of the work of Manx National Heritage.
It is a unique portrayal by Manx National Heritage of cultural and heritage assets across 227 square miles (588 square kilometres) of historic and scenic landscape.
The Story of Mann concept preserves, presents and promotes a combination of historic properties, ancient monuments, natural landscapes and formal museums, by emphasising the inter-linked nature of these assets in the historic story of the Island’s development.
The Story begins at The Island’s Treasure-House (‘Thie Tashtee Vannin’ in Manx), otherwise known as The Manx Museum headquarters of Manx National Heritage in the Island’s capital, Douglas. Here, award-winning museum displays and the latest video technology introduce 10,000 years of Manx history. This initial show-case of Manx history is your invitation to explore the rest of the Island’s rich heritage.
We aim to present the historic story of the Island in a visually stimulating and memorable way, to the highest professional standards, in a way which stimulates and encourages visits to major heritage sites throughout the Island, providing a heightened understanding and appreciation of the Manx inheritance.
More information on the work and sites of Manx National Heritage can be found on the following link: www.gov.im//mnh/
It would take some time to view all of the MNH sites around the island but even a short break on the Isle of Man will allow you to discover a great deal of its history.
Wildlife Park
Constructed at the edge of the Ballaugh Curraghs, the Wildlife Park is a haven for all sorts of wetland wildlife (curragh is a Manx word for the wet, boggy willow woodland typical of the area and which you can see in more detail along our unique nature trail). We specialise in wetland species, nearly 100 altogether, many of them endangered in the wild.
Our animals are usually displayed together, with wildlife from the same country in the same area. Most of the enclosures are walk-through, giving you uninterrupted views of the animals - just as you might see them in the wild. The enclosures belong to the animals so, please, do stick to the paths and don't try to pet or feed the animals.
Just as the Wildlife Park is slightly different so is our Website. We hope you find it entertaining and informative. If you have any comments on our web site we would like to hear from you. Please use the Contacts link and go to Web Site Feedback to rate our site. Don't forget to tick the Wildlife Park as the Agency to contact. The Contacts page also gives our phone number, email address and a general contact form.
Disabled Facilities - (see also the entry on the DisabledGo site accessible from every page) .
The Wildlife Park has mainly flat paths accessible by disabled persons, although some of the nature trails may be unsuitable at times of poor weather.
There are disabled toilet facilities at the café and at Close Beg. There is a loan scheme for wheelchairs and child buggies - please ask at the entrance.
Visiting the Wildlife Park and the Isle of Man
For details on how to get to the Wildlife Park click here.
Make sure you allocate at least one day out of your short break on the Isle of Man to view all that the Wildlife Park has to offer.