Day 9 – June 28, 2024 – Douglas, Isle of Man
Today’s excursion starts at 1:30 p.m. so we had a leisurely morning. The sun was out today (which has been rare!) so we grabbed a quick bite of lunch out on the pool deck before heading for our tour.
Our guide, Ian, along with Pat & Petra to help out, took us on a 4 ½ mile walk along the coastline. We had about a 30-minute drive for a comfort stop in Castletown and Ian gave us information along the way. We were dropped off at Balladoole Farm and then walked on foot to Chapel Hill, where we saw amazing views from atop a sacred hill where homage is paid to a Viking ship that was discovered buried years ago. Keeill Vael is an ancient small chapel built between the 6th & 12th century. It is also the site of a Chrisitan burial ground. There are also remnants of a bronze age burial cist dating to 1000 B.C. Our walk continued through Balladoole, Close ny Chollagh Fort, Scarlett Head and then back to Castletown, which took us close to 3 hours. The scenery was beautiful along the coastline even though the wind was crazy, and it was cool.
Once back in Castletown, we had about 30 minutes and so took the opportunity to have an ale at the local tavern before returning to the bus and heading back. We drove back to the pier via the Plains of Heaven.
We cleaned up, had happy hour then dinner and called it a night. Tomorrow will be in Dublin, Ireland and have a highlights tour. Nite all 😊
ABOUT DOUGAS (taken from the daily newsletter):
- It is the capital city and largest settlement of the Isle of Man
- Population of 26,677 as of 2021
- Coastal city that spans an area of 10.5 km2 and boasts a sweeping bay stretching two miles along its shoreline.
- The city’s name, “Doolish”, in Manx, is believed to derive from Proto-Celtic roots meaning “deep river”, reflecting its geographical position.
- Douglas has a rich history, evolving from a small settlement to a bustling urban center due to its growing links with Liverpool in the 18th century.
- Growth continued in the 19th century which lead to the transfer of key governmental institutions from Castletown to Douglas, including the High Courts, the Lieutenant Governor’s residence, and the seat of the legislature, Tynwald.
- Today Douglas serves as the island’s primary center for business, finance, legal services, shipping, transport, shopping, and entertainment.
- Famous for the annual Isle of Man TT motorcycle races, which start and finish in the city. (We happened to be there a couple of days before the race was taking place!)
- It is the birthplace of Maurice, Robin, and Barry Gibbs, the Bee Gees.
- Douglas’s status was elevated on March 20, 2024, when Queen Camilla presented Letters Patent conferring city status, as part of the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours.
- It is situated on the east of the island, near where the rivers Dhoo and Glass converge to form the Douglas River. The river flows through the city’s quay and into Douglas Bay.
