Fairy Bridge

The Fairy Bridge on the main road south of Douglas is an ordinary stone road bridge, and its interest is entirely in the custom attached to it: Manx tradition holds that anyone crossing should greet Themselves, the fairies, and failing to do so brings bad luck. Bus drivers say it, race competitors say it, and messages and ribbons are left on the fence beside the road. There is nothing else to see.

Highlights

• The custom - the greeting expected of anyone crossing the bridge.
• The left messages - the notes and ribbons tied along the fence.
• The stone bridge - the plain road crossing the tradition attaches to.
• The local seriousness - a custom observed by residents rather than staged for visitors.

When to go

Year round; there is nothing seasonal about it. Stopping is easier outside busy periods. Fifteen minutes covers it.

Good to know

It is a small road bridge with nothing built for visitors and no interpretation. Parking is awkward and the road is busy. Some find the accumulated messages untidy rather than charming.

Nearby

Douglas is north, and Castletown is southwest.

Key facts