Isle Of Man mini break

Clonmel1000

Got a rush of blood to the head and booked a Fri-Mon break with she who shall be obeyed to the isle of man. Staying in the Ascot Hotel in Douglas. Kind of regretting it now on the basis that there appears to be no value for money in anything over there and the scenery etc is akin to the west coast of Ireland at a fraction of price and hassle
Anybody been over there recently or know the hotel and could help me out with a rough itinerary and food options.

Thanks in advance

losthorizon

Actually, I stayed in the Isle of Man a few years ago. Dont worry there will be a bit to keep you going as its a bit different from Ireland and Britain but slightly familiar.

What time of year are you going as that is important.

Clonmel1000

Thanks I am heading over for the may bank holiday weekend.

losthorizon

Well, Douglas has a slightly English beach resort feel to it. Its slighly down at heel. Some of the other little towns are nice .

Douglas has a camera obscura from Victorian times. There is an interesting Manx Museum in Town which tells you the history of the island eg the language (its really similar to Irish) and the huge Viking connections.

When we were there we actually walked along a walking trail from Douglas to Peel across the entire length of the island if you are up for that. You can then get the bus back to Douglas.

There are horse drawn trams which ply the promenade. These will take you up to the Electric Railway (Electric Trams). These are rickety 19c contraptions that ply half way round the island. You should stop at the Laxey Wheel - very interesting. Nice tea shop there as well. And the junction for Snaefell Mountain. Another Electric Tram will take you up this mountain. From the top you can see England, Ireland, The Island of Man, Scotland and Wales.

Also if you continue from Laxey on the Electric train and get off at Maughold (its in the middle of nowhere) walk down the road you come to a church by the sea with great views and some old Celtic crosses and the earliest recorded version of the three legged Man (IOM symbol). Loads of Viking stuff in their too.

Peel Castle in Peel is really impressive and you can take a steam engine ride from Douglas train station on certain days for Port Erin


Restaurants in the IOM arent great. We had a fairly good meal at Tanroagan but the service was terrible (fairly expensive as well).

Paparazzi was a cheap and cheerful Italian restaurant.


I was there in 2009

Clonmel1000

Thanks a million for that comprehensive reply much appreciated. Plan is to spend first day in Douglas then hire a car and travel about a bit to Peel Ramsey Port Erin Calf of Man etc.

Polar101

Stayed in that hotel a couple of years ago, it's at the 'far end' of the town promenade, so there wasn't anything near it (except the tram terminus) - but it's a very small town so nothing is very far. Not much to do in Douglas, but the island is nice enough.

Snaefell mountain is probably nice for views - when I went there it was foggy and couldn't actually see anywhere at all, so I can't vouch for the views.. but the tram ride up the mountain was interesting at least.