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PORT ERIN
Information for the visitor to Port Erin
“Port Erin, a bay, almost universally pronounced the most lovely spot on the island”
from Jenkinson’s Practical Guide, 1874
Port Erin, once a tiny fishing village, is an enduringly popular spot with holiday-makers who have discovered its sandy beach, spectacular scenery and glorious sunsets over the bay.
The town is found at the south of the island nestling below towering cliffs, grassy hills and dramatic headlands, a secluded location that benefited smugglers in bygone days.
Port Erin hosts many Island walking, cycling, motor cycling, vintage car and sailing events during the year, and also runs Beach and Christmas Festivals.
Port Erin Beach
Port Erin has one of the most beautiful beaches in the British Isles. The beach curves around the bay in a horseshoe-shape and faces west, making it a great spot to capture the magnificent sunsets.
Flanked by two green headlands; Bradda Head on the north, and by the Castle Rocks and the Mull Peninsula on the south, it is well sheltered. It is open to ‘tonic sea-breezes’ from the west, and on sunny days, the bay acts as a suntrap.
The large expanse of soft golden-white sand means Port Erin Beach is a firm family favourite. Clean and unspoiled, the beach is gently sloping so safe for bathing and paddling.
The beach has many facilities including two swimming rafts, equipped for beach soccer and volleyball, ice creams, cafes, kayak hire, and fishing at the stone breakwater, and a sailing school where it is safe to learn on small sail boats with qualified instructors.
Did you know?
The film Stormbreaker (2006), starring Ewan McGregor, features some good shots of the Island, particularly the action sequence that was filmed on Port Erin beach.
The Ever-popular Beach
“Found at the foot of Bradda Head… sheltered nooks to serve as “dressing rooms” for an informal dip. Bathing tents on the beach… cater for the more conventional”
Official Handbook of The Official Board of Advertising for The Isle of Man, 1940
Photographs and postcards show what a busy place Port Erin beach was. In Victorian days there were bathing huts for respectable bathing and in the second world war there were donkey rides.
The Famous Views
The town is famed for its views including spectacular sunsets over Port Erin Bay and Bradda Head.
On a clear day, you can see outlined on the horizon the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland, 50 miles away.
A local saying goes;
“If you can see the Mountains of Mourne it’s going to rain,
if you can’t see them – it is raining”.
The Falcon's Lawns - A Popular Viewing Spot
Stop by the grass verge beyond the Falcon’s Nest to admire the view of the bay.
As early as 1869 the two mounds of rocks at the beginning of the Promenade have been here (on what used to be the ‘Falcon’s Nest Lawns’), as author Edwin Waugh describes:
“Great piles of fantastic rock, partly overgrown with greenery, stand here and there upon the terrace; and ornamental seats are placed there, for the use of visitors, when the weather is fine.”
Guide to Castletown, Port Erin, and adjacent parts of the Isle of Man, Edwin Waugh c. 1869
This spot has always been a popular place for visitors to admire the view, and pose for a photo – and still is today.
Port Erin Village
The main shopping area in Port Erin begins opposite the Steam Railway Station and runs around the loop of Station Road and Church Road and is thriving, having undergone extensive regeneration in 2017.
The village features distinctive and friendly shopping and eateries with over 45 diverse outlets mainly independently owned and includes a shop which has won over ten UK wide awards.
Self catering guests will be pleased to learn there is a large and small branch of Shoprite, the Manx supermarket and a small branch of The Co-operative supermarket and the village has all local conveniences including a bank, post office, and local vets, bus and (steam) rail links.
The distinctive red Ruabon brick Railway Station, the Steam Railway and the Railway Museum are major parts of village life.
An Interesting History
Port Erin has a fascinating history, the village having adapted to change and embraced the age of tourism. Rushen Camp W, located mainly in Port Erin, was unique – the only WW2 Women’s Internment camp in Europe.
The origins of the village were modest;
“The village comprises about forty dwellings, a small Wesleyan chapel, and a comfortable inn ; the employment of the inhabitants is fishing and husbandry.”
From Pigot’s Directory, 1837
Liverpool safe-maker William Milner, marine biologist William Herdman and artist William Hoggatt all chose Port Erin as their home and have left lasting legacies.
Local charity Rushen Heritage Trust helps to preserve and disseminate the area’s history through exhibitions, shows, talks, and books.
Port Erin Bay
The Breakwater
The Victorians of the time dreamed big. It was anticipated that the new breakwater would create a grand harbour that would not only protect the bay from south-westerly gales, but also attract steamers, leading the way for development into a significant holiday resort.
Following years of discussion, a breakwater was built in 1864 at a cost of £80,000. Large quantities of gunpowder were used to blast stone from local cliffs, 200 men were employed to quarry the stone for the foundations, and the island’s first steam engine was used to lay the stone.
In 1868, it was damaged by a storm which scattered concrete blocks weighing up to seventeen tons. It was again damaged in 1882 and was finally destroyed in 1884. Its remains can be seen clearly at low tide and are marked by the green shark’s fin buoy in the centre of the bay and continues to mark safe passage into the harbour.
Marine Conservation Area
The ill-fated and short lived 19th century breakwater was not the end of the story.
Port Erin became neither the major harbour nor the thriving holiday resort its promoters intended. Instead, it is a charming and relaxing destination for Isle of Man holidaymakers. A later, smaller breakwater was constructed c.1910 known as Raglan or Raclan Pier.
Port Erin Bay has been a marine conservation area closed to commercial fishing since 1989, and is recognised world-wide for the success of this measure. During early summer, basking sharks can sometimes be seen, with Minke whales, Risso’s dolphins and porpoises off Bradda Head.
From Raglan pier today, a variety of boat trips are available for anglers or nature-lovers wishing to observe seals and birds in the wild. View our Boat trips page.
Port Erin Local Interest
