Rushen Abbey

About

Almost 900 years ago, King Olaf I gave land for an Abbey and so became the wonder that is Rushen Abbey in the south of the island. People have been drawn here ever since, from the monks who wrote the earliest account of the Isle of Man’s history, to the tea-dances of the early 1900s and the heady days of 1980s disco. Nowadays, the medieval ruins still have the power to enchant, with large gardens complete with blossom trees and flowers that provide the perfect scenic location for picnics, gatherings and weddings.

Originally a home for monks of the Sauvignac Order, Rushen Abbey came under Cistercian control and was developed as the Isle of Man’s seat of religious power housing the main body of knowledge and literacy for the Island. Take a stroll through the stunning Abbey Gardens to find remains of the substantial medieval buildings, blossom trees and an array of herbs and flowers – many used to cure common ailments.

For a more active visit, follow the family friendly ‘Monky Business’ and travel beyond the Abbey to the Monk’s Bridge that leads to Silverdale park beyond. The Abbey also provides educational visits where you can discover medieval medicine, listen to sounds of the Abbey and play in the “Jam Factory”.