Wonderful, up to date, museum exploring the unique Celtic and Viking past of the Isle of Man.
Not your dusty old 'hands off' museum us oldies remember from our school days. This is a completely up to date interactive experience which is great fun for adults and children.
It starts with a reconstruction of a Celtic roundhouse with animatronic characters who tell you about their lives and beliefs. Then on to the Vikings and learn the perhaps surprising fact that the Vikings won the Isle of Man by settling and marrying local girls rather than through their popular image of rape and pillage. There is a full size Viking longship to explore.
Many of the Celtic crosses which are still found on the Island are explained and displayed in an atmospheric presentation.
Then things move more up to date looking at the development of the harbour and city of Peel. You can see and hear the harbour as it was in Victorian times when there were so many fishing boats you could walk across the harbour on them. And you can see and smell the kipper factory.
Then, coming right up to date, you can learn about the history of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and can even pilot a ferry across the Irish sea from Liverpool to Douglas (I managed to run over a yacht and end up in Dublin but it was still fun !)
At the end there is a presentation in a small room bringing the story of Peel city up to date. As it finishes the windows, which were opaque, magically clear to reveal a view across the harbour to Peel Castle.
In the same building is also housed the Peel museum which is a more conventional small museum. As well as general interest, this would be fascinating for anyone trying to trace their Manx family roots.
The museum is on the harbourside in Peel. It is in easy walk from here to Peel Castle - another Manx National Heritage attraction - and to the soft, safe, clean sands of Peel beach. There are lots of pubs and cafes very close by for refreshments after your visit and the museum itself has a small shop.
Overall a great day out for the whole family and a fantastic attraction for a rainy day (and we do have a few of those on the Isle of Man !).
It never seems to get boring. My daughter and I go regularly and there are often special events to bring specific periods in history alive.
Prices (2003) £5.00 for adults, £2.50 for children or a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is available for £12.50. This museum is part of the ‘Story of Mann’ and tickets can be bought which give combined entry to this and other attractions on the Isle of Man. It is open 10am to 5pm all year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. (Prices and opening times from Manx National Heritage website 30/07/03).
Yes, we live on the Isle of Man. It is nice to have lots of places like this to visit on such a small Island. The Manx government really seem to take their heritage seriously.
SueMagee 30.07.2003 14:47
Such places are gems. I guess from your username you live nearby?
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