Welcome to Steam Packet Holidays
Steam Packet Holidays (formerly Magic Holidays) is the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's official tour operator. Together we offer fantastic holidays that are safe, easy and organised. We run inclusive short break holiday packages and special event weekends all over the UK . So wherever you go you'll feel right at home. One of the benefits of travelling with Steam Packet Holidays is the great deals we can offer, but apart from that there's the romance. There's no better way to arrive on the Isle of Man than by boat. Visiting the Isle of Man is like getting a million miles away, but it's only a short trip with Steam Packet Holidays.
Sail Away
Once you're aboard one of the Steam Packet's vessels their friendly service will provide everything you need for an enjoyable journey. They have restaurants and bars, on board shopping, bridge observation decks to watch the captain & crew in action and plenty of places to sit back and relax. And as relaxing isn't usually on the agenda of our young passengers, they offer specially designated children's play areas to give you a little peace and quiet. So sail with us and your break will start the moment you step aboard.
The Magic of Mann
The Isle of Man , a great holiday for everyone. It's hard to imagine anywhere else in the British Isles which packs so much scenic variety - and fascinating history - into an area just 33 miles long and 13 miles wide. Uncrowded sandy beaches, rocky coves, dramatic cliffs, lush glens, open moors and impressive peaks form the stunning backdrop to a unique way of life. Evolved out of a mix of history, myth, legend, fairy tales and folklore, part of the charm of the Isle of Man is the way it remains with one foot in the past, one in the present and one foot in the future. It really is a diamond in the Irish Sea .
Probably the best way to explore the Isle of Man is by car. This gives you the freedom to take in all the main resorts (from Castletown and picturesque Port St Mary in the south, to bustling Ramsey in the north and Peel in the west), as well as accessing more secluded spots. But there are other ways to get out and about; the Snaefell Electric Mountain Railway for instance, or the Victorian railway and tram systems linking Douglas with Port Erin and Ramsey . The island also has a wealth of special interest activities, from fishing and golf to bird watching and walking . For more information on these, Isle of Man Tourism is happy to help.
Manx Culture
Manx Gaelic – Where is it from and where's it going? Y Ghaelg – Cre voish haink ee as c'raad t'ee goll? Manx, or Manx Gaelic, is the native language of the Isle of Man. Like Scottish Gaelic, its origins lie in Old Irish but given our Island 's unique history it has developed its own unique style which makes it different but still closely related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic.
Up until the 1800s English was a foreign language to most Manx people, although it would be used for trade and administration purposes. However, due to economic, social and political pressures, the language suffered an enormous decline to such an extent that by 1961 only 165 people claimed to speak the language. However, by the time the last native speaker of Manx, Ned Maddrell, died in 1974, a revival in interest had begun. This interest has recently gathered pace to the extent in the last census (2001) 2.2% of people in the Island could speak Manx, of whom 47% were under the age of 20. Moreover, in the Mori opinion poll carried out in the Island in 2002, 19% of people expressed an interest in learning the language and a further 5% were extremely keen on learning it.
People are increasingly aware of the great cultural legacy that the language has to offer to all those people who now call Mann their home. Moreover, the success of Manx here will, we believe, lead to our Island playing an increasingly important role in global efforts to protect minority languages. The survival of Manx isn't guaranteed, but it is in a stronger position than it has been for a long time: its future very much lies with all those who now call this Island their home.
Manx Music
Music is a fundamental part of Manx life. With an abundance of live music events for locals and visitors to experience, the Isle of Man caters for fans of all genres of music, from classical and early music, to pop, jazz and blues. The Island also possesses its own indigenous music, generally referred to as Manx music , and includes folk song in both Manx Gaelic and English, instrumental session and ceili music, West gallery and church music, and many songs from the heyday of tourism.
To experience and learn about Manx music, the Manx Heritage Foundation, Manx National Heritage and the Centre for Manx Studies organise events throughout the year. Entertainment venues such as the Centenary Centre in Peel, the Villa Marina/Gaiety complex in Douglas and the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin also feature Manx music in their programmes. For Celtic and folk enthusiasts, live Manx music of a more traditional style can be enjoyed at weekly pub sessions and gigs around the Island (such as the White House in Peel and the Tynwald Inn in St. Johns), and folk music and dancing are also an integral part of annual gatherings including Tynwald Day [Manx Parliament, 5th July] and Laxey Fair.
There are several annual Inter-Celtic festivals held in the Isle of Man which offer a range of concerts, outdoor displays, children's events, lectures, ceilis and workshops. Yn Chruinnaght , which means ‘the gathering', is held in late July and features Manx and visiting Celtic music and dance groups. Shennaghys Jiu [‘Tradition Today'] is held just before Easter in Ramsey and is a festival which celebrates the talent of young Manx musicians. Cooish [meaning ‘Chat'] is the Manx Gaelic language festival which is held at several venues during November. This festival provides the perfect opportunity to pick up a little Manx, to hear some traditional music and song, and mingle with visitors from the sister Gaelic countries.
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages to many of the music and dance festivals held on the Isle of Man.
Commercial recordings and publications about Manx music are available from the Manx Heritage Foundation website, Manx National Heritage shops or direct from the bands' websites. Manx music is also featured on Manx Radio programmes such as Claare ny Gael [‘Gaelic Programme'], which is available on the internet.
Heritage-The Story of Mann
The Story of Mann is the main public presentation of the work of Manx National Heritage.
It is a unique portrayal by Manx National Heritage of cultural and heritage assets across 227 square miles (588 square kilometres) of historic and scenic landscape.
The Story of Mann concept preserves, presents and promotes a combination of historic properties, ancient monuments, natural landscapes and formal museums, by emphasising the inter-linked nature of these assets in the historic story of the Island 's development.
The Story begins at The Island's Treasure-House (‘Thie Tashtee Vannin' in Manx), otherwise known as The Manx Museum headquarters of Manx National Heritage in the Island's capital, Douglas . Here, award-winning museum displays and the latest video technology introduce 10,000 years of Manx history. This initial show-case of Manx history is your invitation to explore the rest of the Island 's rich heritage.
We aim to present the historic story of the Island in a visually stimulating and memorable way, to the highest professional standards, in a way which stimulates and encourages visits to major heritage sites throughout the Island , providing a heightened understanding and appreciation of the Manx inheritance.
The portrayal of the Story of this historic landscape has required the development of three important areas of professional control:
- a high level of professional management which has promoted a culture of trust based upon the keeping of promises to various private and public sectors of the community which are persuaded to participate in the overall plan.
- a high level of academic study, including the formal creation of a Centre for Manx Studies in partnership with the Island's Department of Education and Liverpool University . For the first time in history, Manx students can now study their own national history at University graduate and post-graduate level.
- a carefully developed marketing strategy which complies with the long-term preservation requirements of the heritage assets and also appeals, on a continuing basis, to all sectors of the community.
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages that include entry passes to many of the Heritage Sites on the Isle of Man.
Special Events
Fairs, festivals and shows, many of which are celebrations of the Island 's unique heritage and culture, cater for all ages and interests - sport, art, music, theatre, history and many other subjects and activities.
The most ceremonial event -and to Manx people the most important - is Tynwald Day , held each year in July on Tynwald Hill and the Fair Field in the village of St. John's .
Other major cultural events are the Mananan International Festival of Music and the Arts, held in Port Erin in June, and Yn Cruinnaght (Inter Celtic Festival) which takes place in Ramsey in July. The Royal Manx Show at Sulby and the great Southern Show at Castletown provide a fascinating mix of culture and agriculture.
The Tourism Department strives to ensure that events details are up-to-date and accurate check out the website at: http://www.gov.im/tourism/activities/events/events.aspx
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages to many of the special events held on the Isle of Man.
Film Trail
Over recent years, we have built a worldwide reputation for co-financing and co-producing feature film and television dramas. We have become one of the busiest areas of film production in the the British Isles, and are now celebrating our tenth anniversary, having produced over 70 feature films and TV dramas since 1995.
Isle of Man Film offers a comprehensive range of services for film producers and production companies interested in what the Island has to offer. In addition, the unique combination of potential production funding, wealth of natural locations, talented crew base and experienced facilities and services companies together with a film-friendly Government and population are just some of the advantages of Filming in the Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Film has helped to produce over 70 TV and Film Productions to date. A list of productions, in year order, is shown at: http://www.gov.im/dti/iomfilm/pastproductions.xml .
Railways
Make the most of your holiday on the Isle of Man and take the time to enjoy the unique vintage railways. Travel back in time over 40 miles of railways that will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in the British Isles . Each day you can be somewhere different. In fact you can plan your holiday so you get the best of travelling by steam train and electric tram. And when you choose to break your journey you'll find it easy going too; whether you stop off for lunch at a harbour side or country pub, or pack a picnic and find a quiet spot in one of the National glens .
The Isle of Man is one of the very few places in the world where you can travel on steam and electric railways, which are over a century old. To see some of the Island 's stunning scenery, there's no better way than by stepping on board and back in time. The Isle of Man Steam Railway, founded in 1873, operates throughout the summer and runs from Douglas to Port Erin in the south, passing through some magnificent countryside.
In Douglas are the horse drawn trams - the oldest trams in the world - in continuous service, except for the war years since 1876.
The Manx Electric Railway is one of Britain 's longest vintage narrow gauge lines, and runs from Douglas to Ramsey. Two of the cars are originals, dating from 1893, and all are superbly restored.
The Snaefell Mountain Railway , the only such railway in the British Isles, celebrated its centenary in 1995 and runs to the summit of Snaefell Mountain , 2036 feet high, the highest point in the Isle of Man.
The Groudle Glen Railway celebrated its centenary in 1996 - a narrow gauge system being lovingly restored by enthusiasts who provide a limited summer service along a scenic length of track just outside Douglas . The main train, electric tram and bus stations are in Douglas . The Steam Railway Station is situated at the end of North Quay and can be reached by bus. The Manx Electric Railway Station (known as Derby Castle ) is at the Northern end of the promenade. Travel there by horse tram (they stop by request at tram stops along the promenade) or by bus.
Alighting the Manx Electric Railway at Groudle Station and taking the short walk through the delightful Groudle Glen before reaching Lhen Coan Station you can reach Groudle Glen Railway. Step off the Manx Electric Railway at Laxey Station to take a tram to the Island 's highest point on the Snaefell Mountain Railway. A comprehensive bus network covers the whole of the Isle of Man.
Snaefell Summit Exhibition
With breathtaking views outside the windows, it's hard to concentrate on the display of historical memorabilia, which describe the inception, and completion of this, the oldest operating mountain railway in the world. The whole process from start to finish took some seven months to complete and used the steam loco Caledonial to haul building materials to the summit.
The Summit Cafe is a welcome find as one alights from the Snaefell Mountain Railway which has just climbed through nearly 2,000 feet of rugged moorland revealing views of the Island across the Irish Sea .
Port Erin Steam Railway Museum
Situated adjacent to Port Erin Station is the fascinating Steam Railway Museum which houses locomotives, carriages, memorabilia and relics going back to the opening of the Island 's first passenger steam railway in 1873. The Museum is open daily in the main season and has an extensive souvenir shop too
The Great Laxey Mines Railways
In 1999, the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust began the restoration of the surface section of the former tramway. A bequest from the estate of the late Lt Col R S Glenn funded the building of two fully working replicas of the original Ant and Bee. The restored Great Laxey Mine Railway was officially opened on 25th September, 2004.
Passengers can now ride in a tiny carriage along the line where loaded wagons of ore were once hauled from the mine. The railway, a quarter of a mile in length, runs up the valley from the former Washing Floors, now the Valley Gardens, to the main adit entrance where there is a picnic site, footpath and information boards explaining the mining features. The Laxey Wheel is only a short five minute walk away. The line runs beneath the main Laxey to Ramsey road and the Manx Electric Railway through the longest railway tunnel on the Island !
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages that include Rover Tickets which give unlimited access to the Vintage Transport network here on the Isle of Man.
Motorcycle Events
The greatest motorcycling road races in the world are set for another breathtaking festival in 2006, with record speeds contemplated in all classes. Bikes ranging from 600cc to 1000cc as well as sidecars race over the 37 and three-quarter mile Snaefell Mountain Course which outside of the racing period is open to everyday traffic.
As well as the racing, there is a huge variety of supporting events, including trials, rallies, beach racing and moto-cross, while for the less active the owners' club meetings and lively evening entertainment all around the Island make it a fortnight not to be missed.
The Pre-TT Classic Races came into being in 1988, after the TT organisers realised that the machines of yesteryear still had a place in the TT Festival.
The Blackford Pre-TT Classic Road Races, held on the 4.25-mile Billown Course, is the ideal pure road race course to watch, hear and smell the machines of past decades.
The enthusiasm and atmosphere is also special around the Billown circuit during the Blackford Pre TT Classic Meeting as spectators and enthusiasts mingle with the ever-growing number of competitors.
The event is capped on the Tuesday after the races by a unique Open Air Concours d'Elegance of Racing Machines in Castletown Square where many of the machines are 'fired-up' for everyone's enjoyment and is followed by the Prize Presentation.
The first Southern '100' Road Race meeting was held in 1955 and in the intervening fifty years many future British and World Champions have 'cut their teeth' around the 4.25-mile Billown course in the south of the Island.
Sidecars were introduced into the race programme in 1962 and from the early days the 'cream of the charioteers' have provided the unique thrilling action that only the three-wheel crews can.
Add to this the increasingly popular Classic Races, which bring back the nostalgia and sounds of 'yesteryear' and the full spectrum of pure road racing is encompassed at the annual July meeting.
Four action packed days at the Steam Packet sponsored Southern '100', followed by the 'unique' Open Air Prize Presentation in Castletown Square adds a special finish to what has become known over the decades as 'the friendly races.'
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages to many of the Motorcycle events held on the Isle of Man.
Motorsports
Manx National Rally
Running Manx Stages since 1979 the two days of racing begins at the Grandstand. Regularly oversubscribed this popular car racing events covers 120 miles over 14 stages around the Island with a grand finish at the Grandstand.
The rally is a round of four national series including The Kumho National Rally Championship, National Tarmacadam Rally Championship, Get Connected Rally Championship and the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge. Don't miss the action as some of the top UK teams compete to win!
Manx International Rally
This rally saw its most successful year in 2005, when over 200 competitors competed to win. This was the best turn out in its 40 year history. Part of the British and Irish Championships and Historic this well known rally events brings people from all over Europe . The Manx International Rally is broken down into three groups, the Manx International, the Conister Trust Historic, and the Manx Trophy. Hopefully the Army Land Rovers (introduced in 2002) will continue to make an appearance sandwiched between the Historic and Trophy Rally.
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages to these and othe rally events held on the Isle of Man.
Stockcar Racing
| Open: |
Summer: Monday, 7.45pm |
| Price: |
PRICES AND TIMES 2005
Adults: £5.00
OAPs: £1.50
Children: £1.00 |
History
Stock Car racing on the Isle of Man takes place at Onchan Pleasure Park in Onchan Staduim. The stadium was completed in 1951 and the banked track was originally designed for Cycle racing, but was later replaced with Stock Car Racing. The tarmac track is 400 metres long and designed for short circuit racing.
Location
The Onchan Raceway at Onchan Pleasure Park is located in Onchan near Douglas on the east of the Island.
By Vehicle:
Travel to Douglas and then along the promenade. Turn up Summer Hill Road and then right along Hague Drive . The area is well sign posted.
By Bus:
Take any bus to Douglas and then the no. 25 or 26 bus to Onchan Pleasure Park.
By Railway:
Take the Steam Train or Electric Tram to Douglas and then catch the no. 25 or 26 bus to Onchan Pleasure Park . An able person will be able to walk from to the Pleasure Park without the need of a bus. Follow vehicle instructions.
Onchan Pleasure Park
Onchan Stadium
Onchan
Isle of Man
Watching the Stock Car Racing
Stockcar racing takes place throughout the summmer at the Onchan Stadium.
Walking and Wildlife
Whenever you feel you want to get back to nature, to see vast tracts of countryside unchanged for hundreds of years, unspoilt beaches and rare flora and fauna, the solution is simple. Come to the Isle of Man and re-discover the pleasures of walking in the tranquility of an island where you'll witness a landscape known to the Celts and Vikings many hundreds of years ago.
Remember walking? When you could walk for ages in the country without meeting a soul, and certainly without breathing in traffic fumes. Well, it is still possible in the Isle of Man to 'put your best foot forward' and discover 'real' countryside - the ultimate outdoor adventure.
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages which will give you access to all types of walks on the Isle of Man.
Fishing on the Isle of Man
River Fishing
With a myriad of small, clear, fast flowing streams, the Isle of Man offers a unique opportunity to fish for wild brown trout across the island. Many anglers choose to spin rather than fly fish these streams due to the dense cover, however excellent results will come to the practised fly fisherman.
Migratory Fish
Salmon and sea trout are both native to the island and Manx rivers hold surprisingly good stocks of migratory fish. Given enough water, there should be sea trout in the major streams by June, with salmon arriving later in the year, usually by late September. The main streams frequented by migratory fish are the Sulby River in the northern half of the island and the Neb , which flows into the sea at Peel on the West coast. However sea trout can be found in some of the larger pools in the smaller streams.
Reservoir Fishing
The island has eight Water Authority reservoirs, which can provide some challenging stillwater trout fishing and offer a great contrast as they vary from sheltered lowland reservoirs to exposed upland waters in the central hills. Whilst wild brown trout can be found in all of these reservoirs, six of them are also stocked on a regular basis with rainbow and brown trout reared at the Government's fish hatchery at Cornaa. The reservoirs vary in size from the deep, clear Sulby Reservoir (154 acres) located directly under Snaefell to the lowest-lying Ballure (3.5 acres) just on the outskirts of Ramsey . The Clypse and Kerrowdhoo reservoirs just north of Douglas are restricted to fly fishing only. For safety reasons none of the reservoirs allow wading and no boats are available.
Angling Seasons
Seasons are different for the reservoirs and streams on the island. Fishing on reservoirs opens in March and goes through to the end of October. The season on the streams begins in April and for brown trout continues until the end of September. After this, there is another month's fishing for migratory fish only.
Rod Licences
The rod licencing system on the Isle of Man differs from that of the UK in that one licence is required to fish all of the Water Authority reservoirs and a separate licence can be purchased to fish elsewhere (e.g rivers). These licences are available from the majority of post offices and from Government Offices. Licences can be purchased for a day, a week or a season, and there are reductions for junior anglers. However, during the month of October, the most productive for migratory fish, only a season ticket is available
Regulations
On the reservoirs, no more than 4 trout can be caught and killed on any one day, and anglers must not continue to catch and release after a fourth fish has been caught and killed. On other waters, anglers are permitted to catch and kill up to 6 fish each day, of which no more than 2 can be salmon or sea trout. Again, anglers are not permitted to continue catch and release after the capture of the sixth fish. Full details of all the Isle of Man fishing regulations can be found on the back of the rod licence.
Catch Returns
From 2003, anglers have been encouraged to submit catch returns for migratory fish captured during the season. The catch return form is incorporated as part of the Other Waters licence and should be returned to the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry via a Freepost address by the 1st January of the following year. These returns can be used to monitor trends in the Island's fisheries, will act as useful indicators as to the status of our native fish stocks and will assist in directing resources to the areas most in need.
The Fish Hatchery, Cornaa
The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry operates a fish hatchery at Ballaglass near Cornaa . All the rainbow trout and brown trout released in the Reservoirs are reared at this site, which is open to the public one day each week. The majority of the fish are reared to a size of just over a pound in weight before stocking although larger fish are regularly released with these, just to keep the fishing interesting! On average approximately 30,000 fish are introduced to the reservoirs over the angling season.
The Work of the Freshwater Fisheries Section
The Section is responsible for the rearing of salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout and the re-stocking of the Island 's reservoirs for the purpose of recreational angling. The Section also enforces the Inland Fisheries Act 1976, under which it is empowered. This includes the investigation of, and where necessary, prosecution of freshwater pollution incidents. Licence checks and anti-poaching patrols are carried out to deter poaching and protect the fishery interests. A new and developing area of responsibility is the implementation of a migratory salmonid monitoring strategy for the Department. This will provide information on the status of the native fish stocks in the various watercourses across the Island , and thus set a baseline from which improvements can be instigated. Over time, with such initiatives as habitat improvement schemes it is hoped that the native fish stocks on the island will be protected and enhanced through the work of the Department and other supportive organisations.
MoreInformation
Inland Fisheries Development Manager 01624 686044 or Freshwater Fisheries Manager 01624 812224
Steam Packet Holidays have a proven track record of providing first class short break packages which will give you access to all types of angling on the Isle of Man.
Sea Angling on The Isle of Man
There is an active angling fraternity on the Isle of Man , with a number of clubs happy to welcome new members. The Island also plays host to two major angling events each year when there's usually a good run of tope, and the Mannin Angling Club Angling Festival in Port St Mary. This is a large Boat fishing festival catering for both charter Boats and small Boats alike, fishing the in Shore reefs around Port St Mary and the Calf of Man. The festival also includes two Shore competitions - both from Port St Mary.
Mannin Angling Club, PO Box 6 , Port St Mary , IM99 7PP:
From about mid-summer onwards, basking sharks can often be observed around the west and south coasts of the Isle of Man. These large, harmless sharks have been coming to the Island in considerable numbers since 1988.