I went to the wild lands of Isle of Man, and found adventure and coastal calm

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Growing up with a father who had a passion for motorsports, The Isle of Man was a seasonal topic in my household thanks to The Isle of Man TT, or Tourist Trophy - the annual motorcycle racing event that takes place in early summer on the island.
While this famous series of race days might be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the island's name, it has much more to offer year round for holidaymakers. Particularly in its wild landscapes, sweeping coastal views and rugged vistas, all steeped in history and offering an interlude from the constant static of everyday life.
To navigate these landscapes, we were meeting with Andy North, the author of The Wild Guide book for The Isle of Man who would act as our shepherd through the shell-strewn beaches, tree-lined hills and winding roads.
A musician, photographer and owner of Happy Explorer Nature Adventures, Andy's comprehensive guidebook reveals over 400 secret locations across The Isle of Man that encourage communion with nature, and we were going to squeeze in as many of them as we could on our trip.
You can find the book HERE.
The Isle of Man is the world's only whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, so submerging ourselves in nature and switching off was the goal. The Wild Guide book for The Isle of Man
For those travelling from Ireland, it is just a short 40 minute flight from Dublin to Ronaldsway Airport, located to the south of the island, with Aer Lingus.
A bonus experience for anyone interested in planes, as the flight is operated by a turboprop aircraft.
Ferries to the Isle of Man from Ireland depart from both Belfast and Dublin for anyone who wants to bring their vehicle, and typically take anywhere from two hours forty five minutes to almost four hours. Gaiety Theatre Isle of Man
Staying in Douglas allows for a great vantage point to explore the island, with nothing unreachable by car in an hour from the thriving capital. Shops, restaurants and bars offer a huge selection of options, and a stroll along the Harris Promenade awards visitors with a view of The Gaiety Theatre, which opened in 1900.
On our two day excursion to the Isle of Man, we laid our heads at the Halvard Hotel, centrally located and mere steps away from the theatre making it the perfect place for theatergoers to stay.
Just a ten minute walk to North Quay from the hotel, we checked out some of the eateries the city has to offer, many of which are dotted along the scenic quay. Food and drink
Noa Market Cafe was our first stop for lunch, which prides itself on its commitment to craft food and local produce. Later that evening, we returned to attend the launch of The Wild Guide: Isle of Man where we sampled their Noa Brewhouse hazy pale ale, made using recycled Noa grain loaf, and afterwards enjoyed a sunset walk around the area, stopping off at Kiki Lounge for some cocktails on the way home.
Kiki Lounge was crowned Bar of the Year 2024 at the Spirits Business Awards and is one of just 37 global bars featured in Michelin Guide for Bars 2024, Much like in Ireland, it is impossible to go anywhere without making a connection, with our lovely airport taxi driver telling us their his grandson worked in Kiki's and to make sure we give it a try, so stopping off for a delicious margarita was essential.
For fuss-free coffee, Victory Cafe is the way to go, perched in an iconic location on the Snaefell Mountain Road along the TT course. A refurbished cold war radar station, the canteen was an oasis for our weary bodies after trekking around the area. The coffee was strong and plentiful, and the building itself was a marvel filled with plenty of artefacts from TTs gone by.
Another eatery that left its mark on our memories is the Little Fish Cafe, also located on the North Quay. Chicly paired back interiors set the scene for what is to come on the menu, with immaculate quality seafood and the freshest of ingredients presented in classic combinations, from salmon and braised leek to king prawns and chorizo on sourdough. We savoured every bite and have bookmarked it as a must-return-to spot. Little Fish Cafe
Food fuel is needed for an adventure on the Isle of Man, with hiking, swimming, and kayaking all on our itinerary at some of the most breathtaking locations I have ever seen.
Much like Ireland, the Isle of Man is a concentrated fusion of natural beauty, and it was a treat to explore a place that both dazzled with its unique wonder and gently reminded me of home. Fanella Beach
One of the first stops on our itinerary was Fanella Beach in the famed former Viking capital, Peel. Under the looming 1000-year-old castle, a gorgeous little shell beach sits on the south side of the river. On approach, the sand takes on a speckled pink hue thanks to the endless scallop shells that blanket the beach.
A wade out to the right of the beach leads you to a small cove piled high with the seashells, with the tides making a distinctive tinkling noise as it clinks the shell edges off one another as they gently shift.
Sweeping cliffs frame the beach, making it a scenic swim spot. Perched on the overlooking hill is a sauna, available for bookings, and taking intermittent cold plunges and hot soaks in the sauna was a tonic for body and mind. Fanella Beach in Peel Niarbyl Bay
A secluded spot, this bay is a thriving hub for wildlife, and kayaking across to the White Beach, named as such for its abundance of quartz pebbles, was the way to see it all, from the dark shining head of a seal in the water to birds soaring overhead.
Roaming over the quartz stones, we made our way to our ultimate destination - a fresh water infinity pool just a small climb up into the hills overlooking the beach. Perched in a cool fresh water pool overlooking the dramatic landscape was a highlight of my life, nevermind just the holiday.
Making our way back across the beach, we were surrounded by towering windswept rock formations, which was unsurprising due to the area's moniker - from the Manx yn arbyl which translates to the tail thanks to the reef of rocks that stretch into the sea. The similarities and contrasts between Gaeilge and Manx were another unique experience to this trip. Our guide Andy North, author of The Wild Guide Isle of Man
Whether you're a hiker, a cyclist, a foodie, an outdoorsman, a shopper, a birdwatcher or a motorsports enthusiast, the Isle of Man is an opportunity for fresh experiences.
While Irish tourists often bolt in the direction of guaranteed sun, there is no replacement for an earnest sense of adventure and genuine awe that is inspired by the landscapes and lore of this isle.
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