"Rocks and Rockers" Isle of Man by Musquy

Isle of Man Travel Guide: 233 reviews and 511 photos

Motorcycle Races

As of time of writing (November 2005) I've been to 18 TTs, 7 Manx Grand Prix and 3 Southern 100s. I used to go by motorcycle, but due to various faults with it and me at various times, haven't for a while, relying instead on public transport and feet.To be honest, I'm not so keen on the TT these days, and only tend to go for the final weekend when prices start falling back to normal. I hope to do the full week for the Centenary in 2007.
Anyway, they don't race every day, which takes us to Chapter 2

Archaeology

A rather grandiose title for looking at rocks. Or stones. Standing stones, cairns and Celtic crosses, to be precise. The Island has excellent museums, which got me interested in its Celtic & Viking history, and the archaeology which is still highly accessible, in working fields and in churches. The Island was part of the Viking Kingdom of the Isles, with the Hebrides, and I'd like to do a tour of all of this whole Kingdom, to get an idea of context.
But on the subject of Rock, see Chapter 3

Music

I'm not a great fan of Rock music, but there is a thriving scene on the Island. There's also a Blues Festival in Laxey in May, which is worth a visit.
I'm still trying to locate the folk scene over there. I know there is one - Andy Kershaw plays some of the CDs, which I've also found in the Museum Gift Shop; I'm just having trouble locating gig info!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Self-contained; motorcycle friendly
Cons:weather. Politics are strange.
In a nutshell:A Celtic microcosm

Intro Written Nov 16, 2005
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Reviews (9)

IoM Motorcycle Races What to Pack (2)

(Applies to TT, Southern 100, Manx Grand Prix.) You are going to need an FM/AM radio in order to hear the race... more travel advice

Walking on IoM What to Pack (2)

For midge repellent, nothing beats Avon Skin-so-Soft moisturiser. Apparently used by US and UK armed forces (although... more travel advice

Town Walks Things to Do (5)

In the Tourist Office (Ferry Terminal, Douglas) and in tourist info places (e.g. museums, gift shops attached to... more travel advice

On arrival by ferry Things to Do (5)

Since the Tourist Office is in the Ferry Terminal building, when you arrive by ferry, before charging off to find a cab... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
Jurby Junk Shop

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Overnighting in Ferry Terminal

Comments (2)

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christine.j Jun 29, 2008 at 3:55 AM

Very helpful tips, thanks a lot.
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orlikins Aug 15, 2006 at 6:49 AM

We cycled on the main road between Douglas and Peel, didn't even know about the rail tracks - At least there was hardly any traffic! :)