An Isle of Man Tour

Tour Start

Facts and
Figures

TT Racing

Douglas

Castletown

Port Erin &
Port St. Mary

Peel

Ramsey

Laxey

St. John's

Transport

PEEL

The Sunset City. Facing west the summer sunsets are an event you can guarantee will never grow used to. Peelhas many claims for a place in Manx history, not least because of its now ruined castle on St. Patrick’s Isle and the cathedral contained within the walls. The Castle we see today was built in the 14th century using local red sandstone.

However there has been a fortification on the site since the first century and Viking invaders made it their fortress with the rampart topped with some sort of fence or paling or Pele which is widely believed is the origin of the Town’s name – Peel.

The tidal estuary of the river Neb was the home for the Island’s first known human inhabitants traced back 9,000 years. Since then there has been a variety of religious communities, all sorts of fortresses – witness to some of the bloodiest episodes in Manx history – and a centre of the Island’s government, but in the 17th century Peel became an important fishing port, crowded with herring boats, both Island based and from England, Scotland and Ireland.

Sadly, these time have declined to but a shadow but the kipper industry still thrives – Manx oak-cured kippers are renowned as the best in the World and a great favourite throughout the British Isles.

Manx National Heritage has a high profile presence in Peel, looking after the Castle and cathedral and opened the House of Manannan Heritage Centre in 1998. The House of Manannan employs the very latest visual aid technology to recall lives of Manx Celts and Vikings.

Odin’s Raven, the Viking longship replica built for the 1979 Manx Millennium celebrations and sailed from Norway to the Isle of Man, is housed here as are many other nautical exhibits.

The modern Town has changed little over recent times. The narrow streets and wide selection of shops make a very pleasant meander for visitors where they will find a selection of delicious genuine homemade ice-cream.

The population has also changed little at approximately 3,800 in 1,530 dwellings. Education of Peel’s children, and those from around the area, is catered for by Queen Elizabeth II High School, opened by the Queen herself in 1979, and Peel Clothworkers’ School.

When the railway came to Peel in 1873 tourism became important. Hotels and guesthouses appeared along the shoreline and higher up on the Headlands.

In addition to conventional holiday accommodation, Peel now has an excellent modern campsite very close to the Town centre.

The beach – one of the best to be found anywhere – is still a favourite with visiting and Island resident families alike. Golfers have an excellent 18-hole course located on the south-eastern side of the Town and a variety of other facilities cater for all.

Peel has good selection of good-food pubs, restaurants, and cafés. A number of these are on the Quay – what better place to enjoy a drink and good food watching harbour activity and letting the world go by.

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