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Peel & West Accommodation
Manx Kippers Moores Smoked Kipper Tourist Information Isle of Man Peel Castle UK
Kippers by post - www.manxkippers.com/order.htm ! We'll get onto the kippers, but first a little general speel on Peel. Officially Peel is a city, with it's resident cathedral, but is really more typical of a small town. Peel has been a major strategic port as far back as Viking times and is renowned for it's fishing industry. It has been nicknamed 'Sunset City, and aptly so as you are not likely to see more beautiful sunsets than here at Peel. Start with the House of Manannan Museum for your exploration of Manx Celt, Viking and Maritime history then move on to the stunning Peel Castle enclosed in castle walls and perched on what appears to be a small island - St Patrick's Isle.
Why not explore the magnificent views along the coastal A4 road between Peel and Kirk Michael. Detour off to visit some of the beautiful coastal Glens near Peel. Peel is also very close to the beautiful and historic town of St John's. In Midsummer every year load of people climb up Tynwold Hill in St Johns and 'make merry' to mark the meeting of parliament (Tynwold is Scandinavian for parliament - it meets in Douglas now of course!). The spot on Tynwold Hill is particularly significant as it is situated near an ancient burial ground. Peel Tourist Information: 01624 842341Peel and West AccommodationBack to Northwest Tourist Information
The House of Manannan Museum
The House of Manannan Museum is so named after the ancient Celtic go Manannan who apparently could change his shape and clocked the island in mist to protect it! It's hard work being a male god you know, and he's lurking around the museum as guides in various forms! This really is your first port of call on the West Coast to explore the history of the island's residents from Celts to Vikings to and in-depth look at the fishing industry and how integral this has been to the island's wealth. The museum is located in Peel Harbour just opposite the castle. The real joy of a visit here is that it sets you off on all kinds of other different journeys around the island to explore in more depth what began in this place.
Packed with thoughtful exhibitions and stories of Manx Celts and Vikings as well as an in-depth exploration of the Isle of Man's maritime history the museum is a must. You can also view and step aboard the replica Viking ship Odin's Raven
Open all year round from 10am to 5pm, £5 entrance for adults, Children £2.50. If you go for a combination of the museum and Peel Castle you'll knock off about £1 for each!
Peel Castle, St Patrick's Isle & the West Coast
The coastal stretch of the A4 running from Peel to Kirk Michael simply offers some of the most beautiful views on the island. Unbelievably breathtaking! The town of Peel has a long and rich maritime history. Start with one of the most stunning castle complexes in the British Isles - Peel Castle. The castle is located on what must have seem a particularly strategic natural miniature island - St Patrick's Isle. The walls enclosing the castle complex contain not just the magnificent castle, but also a mix of secular and religious buildings including St. Patrick's Church and the Round Tower dating from the 11th century, the 13th century Cathedral of St. German, and apartments of the Lords of Mann built later.
Major archaeological digs have been undertaken on the site since the early 1980s, revealing among other finds, the grave of a lady of very high social standing. Her jewellery and other belongings found in the grave can be viewed in the Manx Museum in Douglas.
The striking Gatehouse to the Castle dates from 1333
Moore's Traditional Museum & Kippers - Love the Kipper!
It's the way they smoke em - oak fired and chimney smoked! Since 1770 Manx kippers have been smoked here at Moores in Peel in what are distinctive long red herring houses. The fabulous old curing yard is now part of the museum. Moores was actually established in 1882, and you can take the guided tour at 3.30pm to find out more about their traditional curing procedures. Not for the squeamish - 'gills & guts in the right had basket!' Don't panic, all the guts are recycled!!
Kipper curing is part of the history of this area, and an insight into the process of curing really is a fascinating experience. The kippers are simply delicious - you can order them on line as well.
Explore the Glens around Peel
Glen Maye: Peel is ideally located on the West coast to explore the many Glens in it's surrounding area. Glen Maye, just three miles south of Peel. It covers an area of eleven and a half acres and is a stunning woodland glen dotted with ferns and ancient forests which apparently once covered the whole of the Isle of Man. You can walk to Glen Maye via a coastal footpath from Peel, or by car or bus. There's a car park at the entrance.
Glen Mooar (Spooyt Vane): Glen Mooar is 1 mile south of Kirk Michael and a pathway takes you down into the Glen. You're in for some real treats in this glen including the Spooyt Vane (White Spout) waterfall, which happens to be one of the highest waterfalls in the island. Move over to the west bank of the river to discover the remains of an 8th-10th century chapel, dedicated to St Patrick.
Glen Wyllin: A little further up the coast nearer Kirk Michael sits Glen Wyllin which is crammed with mature hardwoods on it's southern edge. This glen has the added bonus of a children's playground, and a campground. There is also access into this glen by road. Move into Cooildarry which is the deep, wooded part of the valley which was once home to a Victorian pleasure garden. All sorts of trees grow in this glen including ash, sycamore, beech, lime, holm oak and chestnut. Spring is perhaps the most beautiful time of year for a visit to this glen, when it's covered with bluebell, primrose, wood anemone and wild garlic.
