Bangor to Peel, Isle of Man 17 May 2023

 

Leaving Bangor at 6am with Ballymacormick Point in background.
Calm and cool.

So this is day one of our round Ireland trip - maybe just part of the way round Ireland.  We’re pretty relaxed about how far we get.  The main plan is to just enjoy some of the Irish coast - and today has been a great start.  

The weather has been fairly calm, more so as we got closer to Peel.  It was cool to start with - it was 6am! - and slowly warmed up.  The Copelands were picturesque in the early morning sunlight, and even Hope Street looked good as we passed.

Copeland Islands in the early light
Hope Street with no police in sight


The 45 nautical mile journey took until 10.50 - quicker than we expected because we had tide with us, and the boat’s bottom is very clean!  At 11am the metal bridge across the harbour entrance was swung aside and we entered a nautical haven. The sun is shining and all is well. 

Approaching Peel and the Isle of Man

After a walk round the town - many of the shops are not looking their best in part because there is less custom than in the past and because their window displays are modelled on 1940’s (perhaps they haven’t been changed since then - who knows?) - we came across Moore’s Smokehouse where we bought superb kipper baps and two tubs of crab meat. Lunch was sorted!

Although the main shopping streets are a bit drab and outdated, the waterfront beside the harbour is being upgraded with new paving and, presumably, street furniture.  It also has a wealth of cafes, bars and restaurants.  Once the upgrades are finished this will surely be a vibrant area.

Peel Castle and the entrance to the harbour 



Preparing lunch on board  - Peel crab and M&S smoked salmon and salads.  
Very civilised.


The afternoon was spent walking (hiking!) up to Corrin’s Folly on Peel Hill.  Fifty feet high and formally known as Corrin’s Tower, it was built in 1806 by Thomas Corrin.  It has interior chambers but these are not accessible.  The views from the tower to the north east and south of the island are fantastic.    

Mary standing beside Corrin’s Tower - it’s not that she’s small, the tower is big!
Looking south towards Calf of Man 

At the bottom of the hill, just at the entrance to the harbour, is St Patrick’s Isle with Peel Castle - initiated by Magnus Barelegs - Viking king - and expanded to its current state by the 7th Earl of Derby during the English Civil War.  It wasn’t open while we were there but there is a short walk round it’s perimeter that was worth taking - the Sea Pinks (Thrift) were fantastic.  

Looking down on Peel Castle as we returned from Corrin’s Folly.
  All hail Magnus Barelegs!

The evening involved a pint in The Creek, withs its extensive range of Manx brewed beers, followed by an excellent meal in The Boatyard - we would highly recommend it.  Excellent fish menu, good service, and while not cheap it also is not too expensive. We would definitely go back.  

27 species on today’s boat bird list.

Today’s route:
















































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