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You are here: Home > 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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Niarbyl Bay

Address

Niarbyl Road, Dalby, IM5 2BS

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 and dramatic coastal paths leading to White Beach.
Glen Mooar Beach Car Park

Address

A4 Coast Road, Glen Mooar

Glen Mooar

Located in the West of the Island, lies Glen Mooar Beach. Away from towns and street lights, Glen Mooar offers the perfect opportunity to see wonderfully clear night sky views, from West to North and above land to the East.
Clypse & Kerrowdhoo Reservoirs

Address

Onchan, IM4 5BG

Onchan

Two pretty reservoirs, a short walking distance apart, that lie in the hills above Onchan. These reservoirs are fly-fishing only for stocked rainbow trout from 2lb upwards, along with the occasional wild brown trout.
Axnfell Forest

Address

Glen Roy, Laxey

Laxey

Axnfell is on the steep north facing slopes of Glen Roy and has an area of 36 hectares. The views stretch right up to Windy Corner on the TT course.
Mooragh Park

Address

Lake Road, Ramsey, IM8 3AR

Ramsey

Mooragh Park in Ramsey is a popular attraction with excellent leisure facilities.
Sulby Reservoir

Address

Tholt y Will, Sulby, IM7 2BF

Sulby

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.
The Sound

Address

Sound Road, Port st Mary, IM9 5PZ

Port st Mary

At the Island's very southern tip is one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. Abundant with wildlife and natural wonders, this area is a hotspot for seals sunbathing on the rocky Kitterland, a small rocky islet.
Port Soderick Upper Car Park

Address

Port Soderick

Port Soderick

Nestled in along the Manx coastline lies Port Soderick, a small hamlet to the south of Douglas. The car park above the beach provides a great vantage point for watching the night sky, with horizon views to the North West and South.
Tynwald Mills Overflow Car Park

Address

Ballig, St Johns, IM4 3AD

St Johns

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.
Poulsom Park

Address

Castletown

Castletown

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.
Rushen Abbey

Address

Mill Road, Ballasalla, IM9 3DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 823048

enquiries@mnh.im

Ballasalla

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.
Ballure Reservoir

Address

Ramsey, IM7 1AB

Ramsey

A small and sheltered hillside reservoir within the Ballure plantation in the North of the Island, within walking distance of the town of Ramsey.
Ballaugh Beach

Address

Off the Bollyn Road, Ballaugh

Ballaugh

This sand and shale beach is located on the exposed North West of the island. This beach is a perfect Dark Sky Discovery Spot for stargazing.
Conrhenny Community Woodland

Address

Begoade Road, Onchan, IM4 6AX

Onchan

Conrhenny is a growing venue for community involvement, with a 5 hectare Children's Wood located in the heart of the forest comprising of more than 5,000 native trees.
Coastal Footpath behind Peel Castle

Address

Peel castle West Quay, Peel, IM5 1TB

Peel

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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