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Lighthouses and FogHorn at Point of Ayre, North of the Isle of Man

© Creative Commons / seanb.murphy

Things to see and do in Isle Man

Castle Rushen

In the centre of the Island's capital Castletown, find this wonderfully preserved medieval castle. Clamber up the spiral staircase, browse ancient tapestries, and explore all that lies within these ancient limestone walls.

Climb Snaefell

Reaching 2,036 ft (620m) at its peak, Snaefell is an attractive proposition for walkers. Although, the whole island has tracks allowing you to explore further. Tynwald National Park and Arboretum offers a more relaxed walk.

Music festivals

The Manx National Festival, Yn Chruinnaght (www.ynchruinnaght.com) is a celebration of Manx culture and its relationship with what it calls the other 'five Celtic countries', namely Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany (!), usually held in the middle of July. Expect crafts, dance and music. Also check out Shennaghys Jiu (www.shennaghys.org) in April for ceilidhs and concerts.

Peel Castle

This Viking relic lies on St Patrick's Isle, and is open to visitors in the summer months. The ruins of the castle are surrounded by emerald grounds, and look out towards the water.

Ride the rails

The Isle of Man is known for its narrow-gauge railways, but even those not sporting an anorak and carrying a notebook will enjoy the scenic ride the variety of railways that trundle around the island. Snaefell Mountain Railway climbs to the summit of Man's highest peak.

Sample some seafood

Chomp on one of Man's famous kippers (smoked herring), to which Peel's Moore's Museum (www.isleofman.com/whattodo/shopping/moores) is dedicated. So they must be good.

See a Manx ghost

Mythology is an important part of Manx culture and ghosts, of course, form a major part of this. Across the main settlements of Ramsey, Douglas, Peel and Castletown, local guides will take you on a chilling journey around the islands most haunted spots to hear about the White Lady of Castle Rushen and the Black Dog of Peel Castle.

The House of Manannan

Based in the City of Peel, the House of Manannan examines the seafaring heritage of Celtic, Viking and modern day islanders. Using multimedia displays, the guide for the tour is Manannan, the islands mythological sea god shape shifter.

The Manx Museum

Variously a Norse stronghold, Scottish outpost and English protectorate, the history of long and complex, but the Manx Museum in Douglas, where interactive displays explain the Isle of Man's background.

Watch the races

The most famous event on the Isle of Man are the TT Races. The series of motorbike races, is one of the most important meetings in the world. The riders hurl along the closed roads at cheek-wobbling speeds, and has its fair share of spills, especially on 'Mad Sunday' when anyone can ride the mountain section. www.iomtt.com

Whale watching

Basking sharks and dolphins love the waters around the Isle of Man and can frequently be seen, often within one kilometre of the coast. The best time to see them are from mid-May to mid-August. See how many have been seen at: www.manxbaskingsharkwatch.com.

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