Isle Of Man General Information Area: 572 sq km (221 sq miles). Population: 71,714 (1996). Population Density: 125.3 per sq km. Capital: Douglas. Population: 23,487 (1996). GEOGRAPHY: The Isle of Man is situated in the Irish Sea, 114km (71 miles) from Liverpool and 133km (83 miles) from Dublin. The island has a mountain range down the middle, the highest peak being Snaefell at 620m (2036ft) and a flat northern plain to the Point of Ayre, the most northerly point. The Calf of Man, an islet off the southwest coast, is administered as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary by the Manx Museum and National Trust. Government: Crown Dependency with own parliament. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Lieutenant-Governor Ian MacFadyen since 2000. Head of Government: Chief Minister Richard Corkhill since 2001. Language: Manx Gaelic, the indigenous language, is related to Scots and Irish Gaelic. At one time spoken by all the Manx, the tongue was replaced by English during the last century, and now only 600 or so people speak it to some degree. On Tynwald Day, summaries of the new laws are read out in Manx and English. Manx Gaelic evening classes are regularly held, and a weekly radio programme and newspaper column appear in the language. Time: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October). Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Telephone To telephone the Isle of Man from the UK, the STD (area) code is 01624. Mobile telephone See main UK section. Fax Services are available. Internet Internet access is available on the island. Post Services are administered by the Isle of Man Post Office Authority which issues its own postage stamps, recognised internationally under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union. Only Isle of Man Post Office Authority stamps are valid for postal purposes in the island. Press There are several local papers published on the island and English papers are widely available. Money Currency: The Isle of Man government issues its own decimal coinage, and currency notes of £50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and coins of £5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence, all of which are on a par with the UK equivalents. The coins and notes of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland circulate freely on the island. Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1530. Some are open Sat 1000-1200. Public Holidays Public holidays observed in the Isle of Man are the same as those observed in the rest of the UK (see the main United Kingdom section) with the addition of: Jul 5 2003 Tynwald Day (National Day). Aug 25 Summer Bank Holiday. Jul 5 2004 Tynwald Day (National Day). Aug 23 Summer Bank Holiday. Health No vaccination certificates are required to enter the Isle of Man. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, allowing all visitors from the mainland free medical treatment. Dental treatment and prescribed medicines must be paid for. No proof of UK residence is required to benefit from the agreement. The island has two first-class hospitals and many dental practices. Travel - International AIR: British Airways (BA) (website: www.britishairways.com) operates year-round services between the Isle of Man and London Heathrow, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Belfast and Dublin. Flybe (BE), Euromanx and Fly Keenair also operate services to the Isle of Man. International airports: The island’s airport is Ronaldsway (IOM), 16km (10 miles) from Douglas. Airport information: (01624) 821 600. Facilities include restaurant, buffet, bar (normal licensing hours), general shop and newsagents, duty-free shop and facilities for the disabled. Airport opening times: Mon-Sat 0615-2045, Sun 0700-2045. A local bus operates approximately half-hourly until 1900 and then hourly for the rest of the evening. Taxis and car hire are also available. Those wishing to hire cars can contact Athol Car Hire (tel: (01624) 623 232), Hertz (tel: (01624) 825 855 or Mylchreests Car Hire (tel: (01624) 823 533). It is 16km (10 miles) to Douglas by private car. There is one contract and one public car park. Departure tax: None. SEA: Ports include Douglas, Ramsey, Peel and Castletown. Sailings are run by the Isle of Man Steam Packet and Seacat Company daily from Douglas to Heysham, Dublin, Belfast and Liverpool, although crossings to Belfast are not scheduled in the winter months. Sea cat routes are from Belfast to Heysham or Troon (tel: (01624) 661 661; fax: (01624) 645 697; website: www.steam-packet.com). RAIL: Horse trams run along the 3km (2 miles) of the Douglas Promenade during the summer. The Steam Railway operates from Douglas to Port Erin and the Manx Electric Railway runs from Douglas to Ramsey. Other services include the unique Snaefall Mountain Railway, which runs to the summit of Snaefall mountain, and the Groundle Glen Railway (a narrow gauge system) which provides a limited service along a scenic track near Douglas in the summer months. ROAD: The island is served by Isle of Man National Transport buses throughout the year. There are also a number of coach operators who operate full- and half-day excursions. Private taxis operate all year round and there are a number of car hire firms. Bicycles are available for hire in the summer months. Regulations: Traffic drives on the left. There is no maximum speed limit except in built-up areas. Documentation: Full UK driving licence is acceptable. Accommodation Hotel, guest-house and self-catering accommodation is available, but pre-booking is necessary in the summer months. Grading of accommodation follows UK standards and ranges from basic to deluxe. Camping is only permitted on the official campsite. The importation of caravans is prohibited. Introduction Viking and Celtic heritage combine to create unusual interest on this charismatic island. Numerous attractions reflect this rich historic mix, branded by Manx National Heritage (website: www.gov.im/mnh) as the Story of Man, an umbrella name applied to sites ranging from prehistoric tombs to multimedia exhibitions, and to which English Heritage and National Trust members gain free entry. Also important are Man’s Victorian narrow-gauge railways: the Steam Railway linking Douglas and Port Erin; the Manx Electric Tramway, running north to Ramsey; and the Snaefell Mountain Railway which climbs 620m (2034ft) above sea level from Laxey. A smaller line operates on the cliffs at Groudle Glen. The island also hosts the annual TT Races and other motorsport events (see Sport & Activities section). Scenic highlights include 17 picturesque National Glens, the south coast bays, and Snaefell itself, from which England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales are all visible on a clear day. DOUGLAS: The capital has all the trappings of a seaside resort, with the Gaiety Theatre, parks and sweeping beach. Horse drawn trams provide transport along its 3.2km (2-mile) promenade, while pedestrianised shopping areas are close inland. A prime visitor attraction is the Manx Museum complex, with its art, archaeological and cartographic galleries, plus multi-media show introducing the ‘Story of Man’. PEEL: House of Manannan, on Peel Harbour, is a high-tech interpretation of the island’s history from the earliest times, while ruined Peel Castle on St Patrick’s Isle, reached by a causeway, has Viking origins and incorporates the 13th-century St German’s Cathedral. Peel is also famous for its kippers, and several smokehouses are open to visitors. AROUND MAN: Laxey boasts the world’s largest working waterwheel at the site of former lead mines. Cregneash Village, at the southern tip of the island, is a ‘living history’ museum recreating Manx life a century and more past, while the Calf of Man, a small island nearby, offers bird watching. Castle Rushen in Castletown is a remarkably complete medieval fortification, while Rushen Abbey at Ballasalla traces the early roots of Christianity. Tynwald Hill, inland from Peel, is the site of the world’s oldest continuously running parliament. Sport & Activities Motorbike and motor racing: The Isle of Man is regarded by many as the road racing capital of the world, hosting a number of prestigious and unusual events. The most famous of these is the annual TT (Tourist Trophy) motorbike festival which takes over the island for two weeks in late May to early June. Competitors from all over the world race around a special circuit on the island’s roads, and an atmosphere of celebration prevails. Other road races for motorbikes include the Ramsey Sprint, the Southern 100 in July, and the Manx Grand Prix in August. Races and rallies for modern and vintage cars take place throughout the summer on the island’s roads, and include the Manx National Car Rally, the Manx International Car Rally (considered one of the most challenging races in the UK), the International Hill Climb Championships and the Manx Classic (especially for vintage cars). The varied terrain, sometimes mountainous and with sharp bends, adds to the challenge and excitement of the races. Sailing: Regarded by sailors as a ‘staging post’ between Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England, the Isle of Man is well equipped as a sailing destination. There are four main harbours, plus other good anchorages. The variety of sailing available makes the island suitable for both experienced and inexperienced sailors, with a rugged coastline to the north and south and calm bays to the east and west. The premier sailing event is the Round the Island Yacht Race, but there are many other races and trials. Dinghy racing is growing in popularity; regular races are held on Sundays during the summer at Port St Mary Bay and Ramsey Bay and in winter at Baldwin reservoir. Walking: Beautiful, unspoilt countryside and a wide variety of landscapes make the island an excellent walking destination. Sand dunes, marshes, heathland, hills and coastal grassland are all features of its geography. There are several well-marked trails of varying lengths. These include the new 28 mile- (45km-) Millennium Way, which runs south–north from Castletown to Ramsey, tracing the route of the 14th-century Regia Via or Royal Way. While the northern part of the walk is wilder, the southern portion is less demanding, and the trail can be joined at various points. Details of walks and trails can be obtained from the Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Golf: There are eight golf courses on the island and green fees are much cheaper than in the rest of the UK. Social Profile Food & Drink: Cuisine is English and Manx. Local specialities include queenies (small scallops) and world-famous Manx kippers. A wide variety of alcoholic beverages is available, including Real Manx Ale from the wood and Manx whiskey, gin and vodka. All drinks are cheaper than in the UK. Licensing hours: Public houses open Mon-Thurs 1000-2300, Fri-Sat 1000-2400. On Sunday public houses open 1200-2300. Special opening hours apply to the Easter and Christmas/New Year periods. Shopping: VAT is at the same rate as the UK and prices are in general similar to those in the UK. Special purchases include Manx tartan, crafts and pottery. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1730. Early closing Thursday during the winter months. Note: For information on people, religion, social conventions, business, tipping and eating and drinking, see the main United Kingdom section. Special Events: For a complete list, contact the Isle of Man Department of Tourism. The following is a selection of the major events held in 2003: Jan 1 Peel New Year Dip (swim in Peel Beach), Peel. Jan 17 Isle of Man Arts Council Piano Series, Port Erin. Mar 6-9 Annual Isle of Man Darts Open Competition, Summerland. Mar 29 Southern Gardener’s Spring Show, Port Erin. Apr 6 Manx Festival Chorus. Apr 10-14 Student Festival of Sport. Apr 10-15 Food and Drink Festival, around the island. Apr 18-20 Easter Open Shoot (rifle and pistol shooting competition). May 1-3 Three Hills Challenge (car hill climb). May 15-18 Ramsey Angling Festival, Ramsey. May 24-Jun 6 TT Motorcycle Festival. May 26-Jun 6 TT Races (motorbike road race). Jun 1 Isle of Man Jumbo Run (charity fun run), Douglas. Jun 7 Steam Packet Road Races, Billown Circuit, Castletown. Jun 26-Jul 5 29th Mananan Festival of Music and the Arts. Jul 5-12 Manx National Week, throughout the island. Jul 19 32nd World Tin Bath Championships, Castletown Harbour. Jul 31-Aug 2 Manx International Rally, throughout the island. Aug 1-3 Baton Twirling Competition, Summerland. Aug 8-9 Royal Manx Agricultural Show, Starward Farm, Sulby. Aug 8-10 International Jazz Festival. Aug 10 Manx Marathon and Half Marathon, Ballacloan Stadium, Ramsey. Aug 28-31 Manx Traditional Boat Festival, Peel. Sep 8-13 Mananan Opera Festival, Port Erin. Nov 7-9 The Sixth Winter Mananan Festival, Port Erin. Nov 8-15 Feailley Ghaelgagh (Manx language and music festival). Dec 10 Salvation Army Carols at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas. Business Profile Economy: The island’s economy relies principally on tourism and financial services attracted by banking secrecy laws which render assets deposited on the island less vulnerable to disclosure requirements than those on the mainland. Taxation rates are also, on the whole, lower than those of the UK. There is a small agricultural sector but very little industry. Business: See the main United Kingdom section. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, 17 Drinkwater Street, Douglas, IM1 1PP (tel: (01624) 674 941; fax: (01624) 663 367; e-mail: enquiries@iomchamber.org.im; website: www.iomchamber.org.im). Conferences/Conventions: Seating is available for up to 1700 persons, although facilities on the island lend themselves very well to meetings of 100 persons or less. Conferences hosted include those of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and the Union of Communication Workers. All conference hotels have superb back-up services. For further information contact the Department of Tourism. Climate The climate of the Isle of Man is temperate. There is a considerable variation in rainfall over the island, the driest parts being in the extreme south and over the northern plain, the wettest being the hilly interior. Frost and snow occur much less frequently than in other parts of the British Isles. History and Government History: The original inhabitants were the Neolithic and Mesolithic tribes, followed by the people of the Bronze Age and the Celts whose civilisation is the basis of Manx culture. Christianity was introduced during the fifth and sixth centuries. The Scandinavian Vikings arrived over 1000 years ago and from 979 to 1266 Norse rule prevailed in the establishment of the Kingdom of Man and the Isles. The Vikings founded the Tynwald Parliament which has a continuous unbroken tradition and celebrated its millennium in 1979. After a brief period of Scottish rule, the Kingdom of Man passed to the English Crown, eventually being given in 1403 to Sir John Stanley, whose descendants were Lords of Man for 362 years before the Lordship reverted to the crown by purchase. During this period the island became a haven for smuggling operations. In recent years, the Isle of Man has become notable for its distinct tax status and rigid social mores reflected by the use of ‘birching’ in schools and illegality of homosexuality. Government: The Isle of Man is not constitutionally part of the UK; it is a self-governed dependency of the crown within the British Commonwealth. The parliamentary institution of Tynwald (a word which comes from the Old Norse ‘thing’ meaning assembly and ‘vollr’ meaning field) comprising the Legislative Council and the 24 elected members of the House of Keys legislates for the island, levies taxation and has control of the island’s finances. A contribution is paid annually to the UK Treasury. The Acts of Tynwald require the royal assent, and are proclaimed to the people in July each year at the open-air assembly on Tynwald Hill at St John’s, thus maintaining the Norse tradition. The Government of the Isle of Man maintains its own education, health, national insurance, social security, police, postal and other public services. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.