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Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
The Isle of
Man, situated in the Irish Sea off the west coast of England, is a
mountainous, cliff-fringed island and one of Britain’s most beautiful spots.
Measuring just 30 miles by 13 miles, the Isle of Man remains
semi-autonomous. With its own postage stamps, laws, currency, and the Court
of Tynwald (the world’s oldest democratic parliament), the Isle of Man is
rich with history and lore.
Inhabited from Neolithic times, the island became a refuge for Irish
missionaries after the 5th Century. Norsemen took the island during the 9th
Century and sold it to Scotland in 1266. However, since the 14th Century, it
has been held by England. Manx, the indigenous Celtic language, is still
spoken by a small minority.
The Isle of Man has no income tax, which has encouraged many Britains to
regard the island as a refuge. Otherwise, it is populated by Gaelic farmers,
fishermen, and the famous tailless manx cats. The varied landscape features
austere moorlands and wooded glens, interspersed by fine castles,
narrow-gauge railways, and scores of standing stones with Celtic crosses.
The hilly terrain rises to a height of 2,036 feet at Mount Snaefell, which
dominates the center of the island.
The pace in Douglas is slow compared to that on the mainland, yet considered
fast when compared to the general pace of the rest of the island. Being the
capital and the heart of the offshore financial industry, the majority of
the island’s hotels and good restaurants are located in Douglas. While
agriculture, dairy, and sheep farming are significant, tourism and banking
form the main base of the island's economy. The prime Manx heritage showcase
is on display in the Douglas Manx Museum, which should be the first place to
be visited before heading off around the island. A ride on the steam and
electric railways through the gorgeous scenery and small villages should not
be missed by any visitor. Remember your umbrella as showers are not
uncommon. |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
