Miles of sandy beaches stretch southwards from the Point of Ayre until the port of Peel is reached, the rocks changing to red sandstone. This predominates in the construction of the ancient Castle and ruined Cathedral on St. Patrick's Isle. Here the first Irish missionaries arrived in the middle of the fifth century. A tall round tower, still standing, was built by the monks as a place of refuge from the marauding Vikings. This little isle was to become a base for Viking settlers and a fort of timber, or pile, was built thus giving Peel its name. Great devastation followed the end of Norse rule and it was the Early English Kings of Man who laid the foundations of the Castle and walls we see today, the oldest parts dating from the end of the fourteenth century.

A century earlier work had begun on the Cathedral at the instigation of Symon of Iona who had been appointed Bishop by Olaff II, one of the last Viking Kings of Man. The Cathedral, named after St. German, a former bishop, took over two hundred years to complete but was always in need of repair. The roof was replaced in 1697 but by 1785 the Cathedral had become so dilapidated that it was no longer fit for divine service. In recent years an archaeological 'dig' has attracted world-wide interest. Here has been revealed evidence of continual occupation spanning 2,500 years. Graves of the early Christians contrast with those of the later Viking settlers. One such grave is that of a Viking woman, now known as 'The Lady of Peel' whose remains were found with beads, a cooking spit, shears and workbox.

With its sandy beach, breakwater and harbour, Peel has an enchantment of its own. The narrow streets once witnessed the clandestine smuggling activities of the eighteenth century. Today, fishing boats and the accompanying herring gulls are ever present making Peel the centre of the Island's fishing industry. A quota system has seen the export of salted herring to the Continent much reduced in recent years but there are still some to supply the curing houses which produce the famous Manx kipper of unbeatable quality.

The 'Story of Mann' is based at Peel and is a major attraction for young and old alike. Constructed with a concentration on audio-visual displays, the centre takes visitors through all aspects of Manx history and folklore.

To the south of Peel the coastline changes to one of grandeur as cliffs of the Manx slates rise steeply from the sea and lead to the remotest part of the Isle of Man. The Glen Maye stream has carved a gorge in which is found one of the prettiest glens managed by the Manx Government's Forestry Department. Beyond is the delightful cove of Niarbyl with its 'tail of rocks' resisting the waves. The cove contains an old fisherman's cottage, known as 'Old Tom's', now preserved as a private dwelling. Southwards, Cronk ny Irrey Lhaa with its wild moorlands rises steeply from sea level to its 1,500 feet summit. Its name means 'Hill of the Break of Day', so called because men of the fishing fleet returning to Peel after a night at sea looked for the sunrise over it. The coastline continues until Bradda Head is reached while the Calf of Man can be seen in the distance.

Acknowledgement: "Isle of Man Scenic Guide" by The Manx Experience

You can view a clickable map of Peel at MultiMap.com