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You are here: See & Do > Great Outdoors > Stargazing Sites

Stargazing Sites

The Isle of Man has long been recognised as having dark night skies, a valued attribute of the rural character and tranquillity of the Island.

With 26 amazing official dark sky sites dotted around the Island, heading out stargazing is the perfect night time activity for the whole family.

Many astronomical sights can be seen through the naked eye including the Orion Nebula –over 1500 light years away, the Milky Way Galaxy, and one of the Milky Way’s companion galaxies the Great Andromeda Galaxy whose light has been on its way to us for about 2.5 million years. Even more can be discovered through a telescope or binoculars!

On occasion the Northern Lights can also be spotted from the North eastern coast of the Isle of Man. Normally only seen from northerly locations such as Alaska, Norway and Iceland, the Island is quickly becoming a hotspot for watching this fascinating phenomenon.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of the Island’s stargazing friendly accommodation spots? Here you can camp out under the stars or head back to a cosy cottage with a range of additional facilities and services such as binoculars, a torch, portable folding chairs or waterproof picnic blankets!

Winter: From December through to February, a total of nine first magnitude stars (brightest stars) can be easily seen from the Isle of Man. The winter sky also shows the Milky Way in all its glory, stretching from the left hand side of Orion, through Gemini and Cassiopeia to the north western horizon. The best sites to marvel at the spectacular winter stars are:

Port Soderick – 10 minutes outside of Douglas
Axnfell – Next to Laxey Glen
Fort Island – Near Castletown
Tholt-y-Will – Centre of the Island, near Snaefell

Spring: Following on from the magnificent winter stars is the distinctive spring constellation of Leo, one of the few constellations that looks like what it is meant to represent. Leo is seen high in the South through March to May and is noticeable by one of the brightest spring stars, Regulus, the royal star. The Spring sky also shows the Constellation of Boötes and its bright start Arcturus at its best. Head to the south for the best views:

Port Soderick – 10 minutes outside of Douglas
The Sound – At the southernmost tip of the Isle of Man
Fort Island – Near Castletown

Summer: The long summer nights of June, July and August tend to minimise the opportunity for stargazing from our Island’s latitude, but there are still some spectacular sights to see. In particular about an hour or more after sunset in locations such as:

Niarybl – Along the West coast of the Island
The Sound – At the southernmost tip of the Isle of Man
Fort Island – Near Castletown

Autumn: Though fainter than the other seasons, the autumn constellations are best seen in the Manx Southern sky in September through to November. The distinctive asterism of the Square of Pegasus is clearly seen high in the Southern skies from most Manx locations, but its best from locations with a good southern horizon views such as:

Port Soderick – 10 minutes outside of Douglas
The Sound – At the southernmost tip of the Isle of Man
Fort Island – Near Castletown

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Ballure Reservoir

Address

Ramsey, Isle Of Man, Isle Of Man, IM7 1AB

Telephone
01624 685857

fisheries@gov.im

Isle Of Man

A small and sheltered hillside reservoir within the Ballure plantation in the North of the Island, within walking distance of the town of Ramsey. Fly-fishing and spin-fishing for stocked rainbow trout from 2lb upwards and for wild brown trout.
Tynwald Mills Overflow Car Park

Address

Nestled in the rural area of St Johns lies Tynwald Mills, the only department store on Island. Lined by trees and large flat open areas, Tynwald Mills offers the perfect spot for budding stargazers to catch sight of some amazing astronomical views.
Onchan Pleasure Park

Address

Onchan Park, Onchan, Isle Of Man, Isle Of Man, IM31HU

Telephone
01624 675564

Isle Of Man

A popular leisure attraction for visitors and residents alike, Onchan Pleasure Park has its own boating lake complete with bumper and motorboats, go-karts, a crazy golf course and large children’s playground.
Axnfell Forest

Address

Axnfell is on the steep north facing slopes of Glen Roy and has an area of 36 hectares.The car park at its entrance has an excellent picnic site overlooking Glen Roy and Baldhoon, and views stretch right up to Windy Corner on the TT course
The Sloc Car Park

Address

The Sloc is a popular spot among local astronomers, with the site offering panoramic views over the South and North West. With very dark skies and free from light pollution, the view of the stars is breathtaking and will be enjoyed by all ages.
Niarbyl Bay

Address

Niarbyl Road, Dalby, IM5 2BS

Telephone
01624 843300

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Dalby

Niarbyl is a secluded beauty spot just south of Dalby Village on the Island’s west coast and of great geological interest. Discover the peaceful bay with its rolling hills, thatched cottages and dramatic coastal paths leading to White Beach.
Rushen Abbey

Address

Mill Road, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, Isle Of Man, IM9 3DB

Telephone
01624 823048

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Isle Of Man

Rushen Abbey was gifted by King Olaf I for use as a monastery in 1134. The visitor centre tells the Abbey's story from 1134 to strawberry tea dancing and days of disco.
Tholt-y-Will Glen

Address

Tholt Y Will, Sulby, Isle Of Man, Isle Of Man, IM7 2BF

Isle Of Man

Tholt-y-Will Glen is set in the upper reaches of Sulby Glen, one of the Island's most stunning and scenic areas. It is also a registered Dark Skies Site with an Interpretation Board available to ensure that visitors can enjoy the stunning…
West Baldwin (Injebreck) Reservoir

Address

IM4 5EU

Telephone
01624 685857

fisheries@gov.im

This is a picturesque reservoir that sits within a wooded valley. Fly-fishing and spin-fishing for stocked rainbow trout from 2lb upwards and for wild brown trout.
Sulby Reservoir

Address

Tholt y Will, Sulby, IM7 2BF

Telephone
01624 685857

fisheries@gov.im

The Island's largest and deepest reservoir lies in the shadow of Snaefell, the Island’s highest peak and offers a great trout fishing adventure. A large upland reservoir set in rugged moorland scenery in the centre of the Island. Fly and spin…
Fort Island

Address

Fort Island, east of Derbyhaven Bay, is one of the best scenic viewpoints in the Isle of Man. With views casting over Castletown and Port Erin, stargazers are guaranteed sensational views over the horizon from North East to South West. The area is a…
Poulsom Park

Address

Nestled between Castletown’s picturesque train station and Silverburn river lies Poulsom park, a favourite among families. Any budding stargazer will enjoy the spectacular views on offer, with dark skies to the West and North.
Mooragh Park

Address

Lake Road, Ramsey, IM8 3AR

Ramsey

Mooragh Park in Ramsey is a popular attraction with excellent leisure facilities including a children's playground, boating lake, putting green, crazy golf and a bowling green. It is also a registered Dark Skies Site with an Interpretation Board to…
Port Lewaigue Car Park

Address

Port Lewaigue, a small settlement on the rugged East coast of the Isle of Man, is a perfect Dark Sky Discovery spot for stargazing. The car park nestled above the sea and beach provides a great vantage point for watching the night sky, with…
Coastal Footpath behind Peel Castle

Address

Follow the coastal path around Peel Castle to enjoy the panoramic views looking out to sea. With minimal light pollution, it’s a perfect place to admire the stars over the North West and South.

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