The Isle of Man enjoys a temperate climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Average rainfall is high compared to the majority of the British Isles, due to its location to the western side of Great Britain and sufficient distance from Ireland for moisture to be accumulated by the prevailing south-westerly winds. Average rainfall is highest at Snaefell, where it is around 1,900mm (74.8in) a year. At lower levels it can fall to around 800mm (31.5in) a year. The period of Scandinavian domination is divided into two main epochs – before and after the conquest of Mann by Godred Crovan in 1079. Warfare and unsettled rule characterise the earlier epoch, the later saw comparatively more peace. A marine nature reserve was designated in Ramsey Bay in Oct 2011. [5] [6] In 2018 nine further Marine Nature Reserves were given statutory protection. The ten Marine Nature Reserves found around the Isle of Man cover over 10% of the country's territorial waters, in accordance with international requirements. [7] [8] The island's largest town and administrative centre is Douglas, whose population is 23,000 – over a quarter of the population of the island. Neighbouring Onchan, Ramsey in the north, Peel in the west and the three southern ports of Castletown, Port Erin and Port St Mary are the island's other main settlements. Almost all its population lives on or very near the coast. The island's weather is normally cool. The highest temperature ever registered is 28.9°C, in Ronaldsway. The Isle of Man is not very sunny, but it is less cloudy than other parts of the British Isles; strong winds around the island help keep clouds in constant movement. [7] Geology [ change | change source ] Geological fault at Niarbyl, Isle of Man. The narrow white diagonal line near centre of picture is the only remaining visible sign of the Iapetus Ocean.

It has a Parliament called Tynwald. It is the longest running parliament in the world. [ source?] Government [ change | change source ]

Routes and Ports in Isle of Man

A lot of the Isle of Man's plant life, or flora, is composed of shrubs (bushes) and other short plants. Several species of grass and moss also live there. Mosses on the island contribute to the formation of peat. There is peat in the island's wet areas. The island has heavily deforested in the Middle Ages. Common trees on the island include ashes, elms, pines, willows, and hawthorns. There are also other trees on the island, as well as many species of flowering plants. Bogs are home to ferns and orchids. [8] [9] [10] Animal life [ change | change source ]

It is generally assumed that Irish invasion or immigration formed the basis of the modern Manx language; Irish migration to the island probably began in the 5th century AD. This is evident in the change in language used in Ogham inscriptions. The transition between Manx Brythonic (a Brythonic language like modern Welsh) and Manx Gaelic (a Goidelic language like modern Scottish Gaelic and Irish) may have been gradual. One question is whether the present-day Manx language survives from pre-Norse days or reflects a linguistic reintroduction after the Norse invasion. The island lends its name to Manannán, the Brythonic and Gaelic sea god who is said in myth to have once ruled the island. The Isle of Man is not, and never has been, part of the United Kingdom, nor is it part of the European Union. It is not represented at Westminster or in Brussels. As Spring comes in, the hills are awash with yellow gorse and purple heather and if you are a walker, there are walks you can do whether it is raining, cloudy or the sun has come out. What is the weather like? A beautiful day in Port Erin The country’s history is more complex than you might think—if you’re keen to learn more, we recommend reading The Story of the Isle of Man . 3. The original language on Mann was called Manx.On 2 August 1973, a flash fire killed between 50 and 53 people at the Summerland amusement centre in Douglas. [12] Greater autonomy [ edit ] Far to the East a crimson wheelspins and a lone tower watches from the bay. Three legged flags fly high across the Irish Sea, bearing the Island with boldness and pride. Horsespound streets as the tramrises on the mountain top. The coastline wraps tightly around the land here, squeezing out hidden coves from every nook and cranny. Mystery bleeds. The land is rich in history and spirit, where all points lead to the old ways. It is also not a territory of the UK like Bermuda or the Falkland Islands. The British didn’t technically conquer Mann in the same way it did Ireland or other countries in the empire. On the headland around the bay, Onchan has pretty cottages and glens, and Laxey to the north has a quaint harbour and the world’s largest working waterwheel. It is by the foothills of Snaefell mountain, as is coastal Ramsey, while Andreas is surrounded by sweeping fields. Since 1983 the Isle of Man government has designated more than 250 historic structures as Registered Buildings of the Isle of Man.