A Manx Geographic Tour Trivia Quiz

Answer: Castletown

Castletown dates from at least the early part of the eleventh century and was capital of the Isle of Man, and home to the Tynwald, its parliament, until 1869. Its most prominent site is Castle Rushen, built originally in the twelfth century. The Vikings were the original owners, but the castle was fought over by the Scots and English with the latter prevailing, eventually.

The Old House of Keys, the lower chamber of the island's parliament, can still be seen in Castletown.

Answer: Douglas

Douglas became the capital of the Isle of Man in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and is the main port. Ferries from Liverpool, Heysham, Belfast and Dublin all use Douglas. The Isle of Man TT races, for motorcycles, start and finish in Douglas and were first held in 1907.

Answer: Sulby

The name of Sulby also applies to the island's largest water reservoir and a village. The river Sulby begins its course on Snaefell, near the reservoir, flowing for around four miles (18 Kilometres) reaching the Irish Sea at Ramsey.

Answer: Ramsey

Ramsey is located in the north east of the Isle of Man. Its location made it the first port of call for many visitors, some welcome, such as Queen Victoria, and others less so, like invaders from Scotland and Scandinavia. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited in 1847, although Victoria herself was too seasick to set foot on shore. Prince Albert did manage to look around, though, and work on the Albert Tower began in 1848 to commemorate the event.

Answer: Snaefell

Snaefell derives its name from the Norse language, and translates as Snow Mountain. At its highest, the mountain is 2,037 feet (621 metres) tall, and the lazier, or less fit, visitors can take the electric tram from Laxey to the top during the summer season. The more energetic can climb it properly. Snaefell also hosts the mountain sections of the TT motorcycle races.

Answer: Onchan

Because of its location on Douglas Bay, and its proximity to the capital, Onchan is a popular place to live. Even the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the island is located in Onchan. William Bligh, famous, or should I say infamous, for the mutiny on his ship, The Bounty, married in Onchan back in 1781.

Answer: Ayre

The Point of Ayre is the northernmost part of the Isle of Man, and is only 16 miles (26 kilometres) from Scotland's Burrow Head, in Galloway. The Point of Ayre is on Ramsey Bay, and has the island's oldest lighthouse. The area is classed as an Area of Special Protection so its wild birds can be kept safe.

The name of Ayre is derived from the Norse name for gravel banks, which form the shingle beaches located there.

Answer: Laxey

The Laxey Wheel is possibly the best known attraction of the Isle of Man. It can be seen in the village of Laxey, located on the east coast. The alternative name for the wheel is the Lady Isabella and it is the world's largest working waterwheel. Apart from this, the village of Laxey also has a megalithic tomb, called King Orry's Grave.

Answer: Calf of Man

The Calf of Man is separated from the main island by Calf Sound, and lies off the south west coast of the Isle of Man. It provides a breeding ground for the Manx shearwater birds, who make their nests in burrows. Seals also find the island a safe home. It is less welcoming to sailors, and this tiny island has four lighthouses to warn of the dangers from rocks.

Answer: Peel

Peel is located at the mouth of the River Neb, and was the island's capital until 1344. It is known for Peel Castle, situated on St Patrick's Isle, which can be accessed from the mainland via a causeway. Peel is also known as the home of a claimant to the title of the world's smallest car, the Peel P50. An example can be seen at Peel's Manx Transport Museum.