Niarbyl is a secluded beauty spot just south of Dalby Village on the Island’s west coast. Discover the peaceful bay with its rolling hills, thatched cottages and dramatic coastal paths leading to White Beach. Sunsets are remarkable in this scenic location and on clear nights exceptional for stargazing.
On a walk along the coast you will be able to see one of the most interesting of the Island’s ancient Keeils or early Christian chapels Lag ny Killey. You’ll also find quaint thatched cottages, which were featured in the film Waking Ned, and a coastal footpath which leads to an 8th Century chapel and secluded beach.
During your visit you’ll be offered spectacular views of the rolling hills and on a clear day you may be able to see the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland.
Spot seabirds, seals and possibly basking sharks, particularly on calm sunny days between May and August. An information board and binoculars are also located at Niarbyl to assist with wildlife spotting.
Fishing:
The rocks around Niarbyl offer plenty of opportunities for angling. Typical species caught include Pollack, Ballan Wrasse, Cuckoo Wrasse, Mackerel and Conger Eel. Take care not to get cut off by the tide if you are fishing from the tail of rocks.
The best fishing tends to be on the incoming tide three hours before high water, and a couple of hours after. Let someone know where you are intending to fish before you go, and when fishing rock marks, be aware of the state of the tide and keep an eye on rising water to avoid being cut off from the shore.
Cringle Reservoir offers fly and spin fishing. Surface area 4.5 acres, depth 21 metres. Map ref: SC 252 743. Postcode for satnav (not exact): IM9 3BA .
This beautiful reservoir in the south of the Island is located within the Cringle Forestry Plantation, at the foot of South Barrule hill, about 5 km northwest of Ballasalla. With the exception of the top corner, the entire perimeter is fishable with good fly fishing clearance on most banks. There is a substantial wheelchair-accessible platform close to the disabled users’ car park.
This reservoir offers high quality stocked rainbow trout from 2lb upwards into double figures, along with the occasional wild brown trout. The reservoir is stocked between March and October on a regular basis. An Isle of Man Government Reservoir Licence is required to fish this reservoir.
Match the hatch on an evening rise, and you are sure to have fine sport. Dry fly, wet fly and nymphing all produce fish. Favourite dry patterns include Olives, Gnats, Midges and in August & September big Daddy Longlegs patterns. Buzzer patterns work well for fish sipping from the surface film. When there is no sign of fish, try a weighted nymph pattern fished on a long leader on a floating line. Cold weather or seasonal low temperatures will require the use of a wet line to get your fly or lure deeper to fish that are hugging the bottom. For lure fishing use simple reliable bladed spinners such as Mepps and Abu patterns. Try a variety of colours until you begin to generate takes.
Parking: There is a large car park at the reservoir. Disabled anglers can be issued a key to the disabled users’ car park (next to the wheelchair-accessible fishing platform) by Manx Utilities tel. (01624) 687687 or from DEFA headquarters, Thie Slieau Whallian, St Johns tel.(01624) 685857). Proof of eligibility and a small deposit is required.
Season Information: In summer (10th March – 31st Oct.) there is a four fish bag limit (two for a concessionary season licence) while in winter there is a two fish limit for all licence holders. Barbless hooks must be used in winter. The reservoir is closed to fishing from 1st February to 9th March (inclusive).
This river flows down from Glen Rushen to the sea near the village of Glen Maye in the west of the island. The Glen itself lies 4.5 km south of Peel on the A27 coast road. Parking and public toilets can be found at the top of the beautiful glen walk. A set of steep steps will lead you past a spectacular waterfall and down to the river. Downstream of the waterfall, wild brown trout lie shaded by the steep walls of the gorge. There is also a long stretch of public fishing upstream of the village, where the river runs for almost 2km alongside the Arrasey and Lhargan plantations. Access to this area is from the Glen Rushen Rd that leaves Glen Maye village, limited parking and a picnic area can be found at the end of this road.
A perfect place to enjoy a picnic on a hot summer’s day or to get some fresh air and feed the ducks!
Situated in St Johns the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum is set in more than 25 acres of picturesque countryside.
Within the park you’ll find a wide range of ornamental and native tree species as well as trees from the Island’s 17 Manx parishes as well as a specially constructed shelter and picnic area with fantastic views over St Johns.
You’ll also discover a large pond where you can feed the ducks and a children’s playground to keep the little ones entertained.
This four-tiered hill is one of the Island’s most distinctive landmarks and a signal of the Isle of Man’s independence as a self-governing crown dependency.
Tynwald Hill, which is located in St Johns, plays host to an open air meeting of the Island’s parliament, Tynwald, once a year.It is believed that the open air ceremony, which takes place on July 5th, was established by Norse Viking settlers over a thousand years ago with the hill thought to have been built in the 13th century.
The hill, which measures around 12 feet high, is thought to be made from piles of stones bonded together with soil from all of the Island’s 17 ancient parishes.
Ancient graves have been also uncovered near the hill and a temple dedicated to the Norse god Thor was found near to the site of St John’s Church.
Situated east of Foxdale, lies Archallagan plantation, a favourite among families and sport enthusiasts. With an elevation of over 600 feet, parts of the plantation are very exposed, whereas other sections are almost glen like; ranging from marshy bog land to rough moorland.
Archallagan, also known by some as the Forest of a Thousand Trails, is extremely popular among mountain bikers and horse riders, with many different routes and unmarked paths being present within the plantation. In addition, Archallagan boasts a newly created exercise trail and play area, perfect for a family outing.