The Isle of Man and seven kingdoms

Gosia — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:52:28 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, the Isle of Man has never been the part of the United Kingdom. It is one of the three Crown Dependencies alongside Jersey and Guernsey. While the UK is responsible for the foreign affairs and defense of these territories, each has its own parliament. The history of the island dates back to the 6th century BCE when it was colonized by the Celts. Due to its strategic location between Ireland and Great Britain, the island has often been a battleground. Over the centuries, it has been inhabited by Celts, Vikings, Normans, and Scots. The parliament of the Isle of Man, Tynwald, is over 1,000 years old and is one of the longest continuously running parliaments in the world. The island has its own currency – the Manx pound, though British pounds are also accepted. However, it is important to note that banknotes from the island are not accepted in the UK. An interesting fact is that the Isle of Man has its own language – Manx Gaelic. Unfortunately, due to the island’s small population, this language is endangered. Currently, only about 2% of the inhabitants speak it. The symbol of the Isle of Man is the triskelion – three legs facing different directions on a red background. Traveling by the Isle of Man Railways The best way to explore the Isle of Man is by using its historic railway network. The Isle of Man has three heritage routes: the Northern, the Southern, and the Snaefell Mountain Railway. While in the capital, Douglas, to reach the Manx Electric Railway that travels north to Ramsey, it’s most convenient to use the horse tram, which has a stop opposite Villa Marina, located at the northern end of the promenade. The tram stops at Derby Castle, where the first station of the northern railway is located. The railway runs right along the coast, offering incredible views of the island from the carriage window. It is worth getting off halfway at Laxey station. In Laxey, you can learn more about the mining history of the area and see the largest working waterwheel in the world – The Laxey Wheel, used for pumping water out of mines. The wheel is also called Lady Isabella and measures 72 feet and 6 inches. Entry costs £13 (for children is free). From Laxey station, the Snaefell Mountain Railway departs. This railway takes you to the very top of Snaefell Mountain, which stands at 2,034 feet and is the highest point on the island. Locals advertise Snaefell’s peak as the only place in the British Isles where you can see “seven kingdoms” – England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the sky, and the sea. The entire ride takes about 30 minutes, and the views are stunning. A trip with the Snaefell Railway is a good idea during the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race, as the train crosses the race route halfway up the mountain. The Bungalow station and its surroundings offer excellent vantage points for the race. More about the Isle of Man TT can be found here. An alternative option is the Steam Railway, a 150-year-old steam train operating in the southern part of the island. The locomotives are equipped with original 19th-century steam engines, and the carriages resemble luxurious salons. The steam railway departs near the port in Douglas and goes along the picturesque landscapes. On the route, you can visit the medieval Castle Rushen, Castletown – the island’s former capital, and the Railway Museum in Erin. Tickets for each railway can be purchased at the stations. The most cost-effective option is the Go Explore card, covering all modes of transport, including the heritage trains. It can be purchased for 1, 3, 5, or 7 days. A one-day ticket costs £21. More information can be found on this website.

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Isle of Man TT – the world’s most dangerous race

Gosia — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:15:15 +0000

It’s hard to believe that on the tranquil Isle of Man, at the end of May each year, Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) – the world’s most dangerous motorcycle race takes place. The air is filled with the scent of gasoline, and the roar of engines fills your ears. Racers certainly don’t come here for the prizes. The winner takes home only $30,000, which is not a large sum compared to other famous races. It’s the adrenaline, the search for extreme experiences, the challenge of testing their limits, and above all, the desire to make history in racing that draws competitors to the Isle of Man in droves. The Isle of Man TT has been organized since 1907, making it the oldest event of its kind. Then the island’s parliament passed a law allowing public roads to be closed during the event. Every year, for two weeks in late May and early June, the island becomes a mecca for risk-takers and motorcycle enthusiasts. The first week is dedicated to qualifying sessions, where riders fight for the best starting positions. The second week hosts races in six categories: – Supersport TT and Senior TT: Four-cylinder motorcycles with a capacity of 600cc and three-cylinder with a capacity of 675cc, generating up to 130hp. – Superbike TT: The most powerful machines with 1000cc engines producing over 200hp. – Superstock TT: 1000cc motorcycles that according to race regulations must meet technical requirements as for production bikes. – Supertwin TT: Less powerful machines with 700cc twin-cylinder engines producing up to 90hp. – Sidecar TT: A unique category involving motorcycles with sidecars. – Senior TT: Class for four- and three-cylinder motorcycles with capacities in line with Supersport TT, generating up to 130hp. The length of the race depends on the class. Riders in the Supersport and Senior TT categories complete 6 laps, in Superbike 4, and in the other categories 3. The average speed is staggering. Riders race through the island’s narrow, winding roads at speeds exceeding 200 km/h. The record holder is Bruce Anstey, who reached a speed of 332 km/h in 2006! The Dunlop family has dominated the race. Joey Dunlop won it 26 times but tragically died in a race in Estonia in 2000. His brother Robert and son William also lost their lives in TT races. Currently, Michael Dunlop continues the family tradition, having stood on the podium 29 times. Since the event began, over 250 riders and about 15 spectators have died in the races. This high level of risk generates much controversy around the TT. Several factors make the TT so dangerous. Primarily, the TT is not a race for professional motorcyclists; it mainly involves amateurs. Because it takes place on normal roads, there are no protective barriers. The average lap speed is about 135 mph, and the 37.7-mile course is very demanding, running through built-up areas and mountains. Even a minor mistake on one of the approximately 220 bends can end in tragedy. The island’s variable weather conditions can make the race even more dangerous. Is the risk worth it? Everyone must answer that for themselves. However, there’s no doubt that the Isle of Man TT is a unique event, shrouded in legend and dark history. It’s a mecca for thrill-seekers who wish to test their limits. How to Organize a Budget Trip to the TT Race: Planning a trip to the island during TT should start well in advance. The Steam Packet Company operates a ferry to the Isle of Man from Belfast: Steam Packet Company. I chose a 5 am ferry and I got to Douglas at 8 am. Given that accommodation on the island during TT is very expensive, returning the same day was the only option. Unfortunately, return tickets to Belfast were sold out. However, there is a solution – the ferry to Liverpool. It departs the next day at 2 am and gets to Liverpool around 5 am. The round trip cost €140. To get to Belfast, I used EasyJet, which cost about €40 with a 15kg checked bag. However, planning in advance allows for considering a direct return home straight from Liverpool.

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The Isle of Man -

The Isle of Man and seven kingdoms

Isle of Man TT – the world’s most dangerous race