Here I was, 203 countries deep into my wacaday adventure around the world and I was finally in The Isle of Man!! This lesser ventured country is the fifth closest country to my home country of Northern Ireland yet it took me until July 2022 to finally make it here. I set about reminiscing, glory hunting, buspacking, drinkpacking and sightseeing around this absolute gem of a country. I shouldn’t have waited so long. When I finally landed in Ronaldsway Airport, I was 50 years too late and with 2 broken ribs and an out of place shoulder bone. Nuts. I stayed in The Glen Mona Hotel in Douglas, before moving to the quirky Ascot Hotel, also in Douglas. I got a cheap all day bus pass for £7 and milked it tobuspack the island!
Backpacking In The Isle Of Man
: Top 9 Sights In Ramsey
I toured Peel, Laxey, Ramsey, Kirk Michael and Douglas in a sharp short 3 day stint. In Ramsey, I was a textbook backpacker. Ramsey, located on the northern coast of the Isle of Man, offers a variety of attractions that showcase its rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. I arrived by bus from Kirk Michael where I had just drinkpacked the local pub, and the oldest pub in The Isle Of Man. Ramsey reminded me immediately of my Mexico 86 World Cup Panini sticker album, as I used to get doubles of Northern Ireland midfielder Paul RAMSEY!
Paul Ramsey Loyal – Class of 1986
Anyhow, with a lack of photos due to shit hard drives, here are nine top sights I backpacked in Ramsey.
1.Grove Museum of Victorian Life
This museum provides a glimpse into Victorian-era life, featuring period furnishings, artifacts, and beautifully preserved gardens. A decent shot of old times on the island that arguably still enjoys to stand still. The below mural photo only survives as I posted it on my Facebook page that time.
A mural while backpacking in Ramsey, Isle of Man
2.Milntown House and Gardens
A charming heritage property with well-kept gardens, diverse plant life, and vintage vehicles. The on-site café offers a range of delicacies amid a picturesque setting, popped into the wee bar on the corner nearby too.
3.Mooragh Park
A 19th-century park featuring a large boating lake, playgrounds, and sports facilities. It’s an ideal spot for families and those seeking outdoor activities, backpacker wise I duked in and out.
4.Albert Tower
Built to commemorate Prince Albert’s visit in 1847, this granite tower stands 45 feet tall and offers panoramic views of Ramsey and the northern plains. A public path leads up the hill to the tower.
5.The Liverpool Pub
6.Queen’s Pier
An iconic 650-meter iron pier constructed in 1886. Although currently undergoing restoration, sections are open to visitors during summer Sundays, providing a glimpse into its historical significance.
7.Ramsey Shipper’s Bridge
At the sweet smelling harbour, a load of boats were stationed right up here and to get access, you cross over a white painted metal bridge.
8.Ramsey Beach
An extensive sandy beach just a minute from the town center, offering views of fishing vessels and yachts. The promenade behind the beach is ideal for leisurely walks.
9.Ramsey Hairpin
A popular vantage point along the Snaefell Mountain Course, used for the annual Isle of Man TT and Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races. Enthusiasts gather here to watch racers navigate the challenging turn, this one is iconic worldic famosow.
I hope to find my photos from Ramsey one day, they are on a hard drive by WD Elements, I have about 7 hard drives, and down the years they always break. Horrific and the same reason I lost my photos from most of 2007 backpacking, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Kovoso and Northern Macedonia 2014 and a load of my 2019 and 2020 African snaps.
Here are some videos from my time backpacking Ramsey, saved thanks to me uploading them on YouTube!