The Isle of Man is more than just Motorbikes and Gambling
Submitted by Andy_B on Wednesday, 20 July 2022 Page Views: 1232
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Apart from banks and financial institutions, another industry that has set up multiple offices on the Island is the online gaming industry. The Isle of Man has a long tradition as an offshore gambling hub, and the Island was one of the first countries in the world to legalize online gambling and allow the online casino scene to flourish. But that is not all the Isle of Man has to offer, rolling valleys, a mountain spine running the length of the Island, a fantastic coastline, and rich history. The Island has been inhabited for thousands of years, and the various cultures have left some excellent Megalithic sites to be explored. If you have never been, here is a list of some of the most spectacular places you can visit.
The Celtic Cross at St. Adamnan’s Church
St. Adamnan’s Church is reportedly one of the oldest on the Isle of Man; experts have dated the church between 300 AD to 400 AD. The cross boasts intricate knot-work and stands at 8 feet tall. Standing in its original position in the northern town of Lonan, the design has never been altered and represents a Celtic wheel, which is mounted at an acute angle for an unknown reason. The church is also called Old Lonan Church and has many other crosses in various conditions. Another exciting site nearby is St. Lonan Holy Well or in Manx, Gaelic Chibbyr Onan.Cronk Karen
Located in the south of the Island, cut into the cliffs in an area known as “The Chasms,” Cronk Karen is the site of possibly a burial place or the remains of a shelter. Nobody actually knows for sure. The site is accessed from the Raad ny Foillan footpath, and it is worth noting to exercise caution when viewing the site; deep chasms and steep rocky cliffs leading down to the Irish Sea have caused a few injuries over the years.
Meayll Hill Stone Circle
The stone circle site above the quaint southern seaside town of Port Erin boasts a fantastic view of the rolling hills and the sea below. The site is a bit of a mystery, and dates vary on the construction of the site. Estimates range from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, or Megalithic periods. Either way, the area often referred to as “Mull Hill” should not be missed. Follow the single-lane road from Port Erin to Cregneash. To visit the site, wear appropriate footwear as the track is steep and can be slippy, especially in winter.King Orry's Grave
Not just a mythical figure, King Orry was a real person, although he has no connection other than his name to the site. King Orry ruled the Island from 1079AD; long after the area was used as a burial ground, the site was merely named after him by the locals.Divided by a road, the site is actually two locations. Excavations have discovered evidence that the area had been used for burials continuously for over 4000 years. Located in Laxey in the northeast of the island, the ancient site of King Orrys Grave is nestled between modern housing, so in some ways, the site is still used today, albeit not for its original purpose.
Please gamble responsibly. With many thanks to Bloshie Boris and Shamrock Stone for their kind help and support with this article, including Creative Commons photos.
