Isle of Man Tourist Information & Attractions

Isle of Man Events, Exhibitions & Shows for 2011

Follow Us...

Isle of Man Holidays / Isle of Man Tourist Information / Peel / Peel Castle

Peel

St Patrick's Isle is located in Peel and one of the smallest Islands in the Irish Sea and has an extraordinary history stretching back over eight thousand years. It has been the home of princesses and bishops, monks and Vikings, peasants and fisherman and it is believed to be the first place Christianity was brought to the Isle of Man by St Patrick around 1226.

Peel Castle sits on St Patrick's Isle near the harbour of Peel and is one of the Isle of Man's principal historic monuments. Built in 1392 by William le Scrope, the castle's sandstone wall which surrounds the castle, was completed in the 14th century and encircles a number of ancient ruins. A major six year archaeological excavation at the site began in 1982 and the most dramatic find was the Norse-period grave of a lady of high social status of which the jewellery and effects buried with her can be seen on display with other excavation finds in the Manx Museum.

The 13th Century cathedral of St German is based within the grounds of Peel Castle and took around 200 years to complete. It fell into dilapidation soon after the completion of the current St German's on Derby Road in 1884. The picturesque site is covered in a thick blanket of grass Visitors are given a handheld audio phone at the entrance to St Patrick's Isle and this will guide them around the 7 acre site. All the buildings and ruins are marked with numbers which can be keyed into the audio phone to hear a minute long explanation. Viewing the ruins is more of a gentle ramble as there is no set route or order in which you have to walk. Combined tickets of House of Manannan and Peel Castle can be purchased and there is ample parking available.