Peel Castle

Peel Castle, spread across the rocky islet of St Patrick's Isle guarding the pretty fishing harbour of Peel on the Isle of Man's west coast, is one of the island's most atmospheric and historic sites. Enclosed by red sandstone curtain walls, its grounds hold the ruins of an ancient cathedral, a round tower of early Celtic Christian origin, and the remains of buildings from the island's rich Viking and medieval past, for this was a stronghold of the Norse kings of Mann. Steeped in legend, including tales of a spectral black dog, and connected to the town by a causeway, the ruined castle offers evocative history and lovely coastal views in equal measure.

What you actually see

• The curtain walls - the red sandstone fortifications on the isle.
• The old cathedral - the ruined medieval cathedral of St German.
• The round tower - the early Celtic Christian tower.
• The harbour views - the vistas over Peel and the sea.

When to go

May to September brings the mildest, driest weather for exploring the exposed island site and its coastal views, with long summer days; spring and early autumn are pleasant and quieter. The red walls and round tower are especially handsome in clear, warm light.

Honest expectations

Peel Castle is a ruin rather than an intact fortress, reached across a causeway and exposed to coastal weather, so its appeal lies in atmosphere, history and setting more than grand standing halls. As an evocative red-sandstone castle on a holy islet, steeped in Viking and Celtic history and legend, though, Peel Castle is a genuinely memorable and rewarding site.

Nearby

The fishing town of Peel, its beach and the House of Manannan lie alongside.