Douglas – Isle Of Man A Popular Destination With Tourists
Douglas - Isle of Man is situated in the Islands East side. The town is the capital and largest town with a population of around twenty six thousand, five hundred residents. At the mouth to the River Douglas is where the town stands amongst many smaller towns and villages. The name Douglas is thought to have Celtic roots meaning black river.
The main commercial port and harbour form a part of River Douglas. Transport, shipping, finance, entertainment and shopping are the main areas of employment around the area. Tourism also plays a part in the towns economy with a wonderful seaside front attracting lots of visitors every year.
Attractions for tourists in the local area include the Tower of Refuge, that was used for sailors who found themselves shipwrecked. The building, that resembles a castle was the design of local architect John Welch. Sir William Hillary, a RNLI founder was responsible for building the tower.
Overlooking the Bay, is Douglas Head where there are three memorials to commemorate local history. One memorial is a statue dedicated to RNLI founder, Sir William Hillary. There is also a large stone anchor to remember the Manx peoples sacrifice during the battle of Trafalgar. The family and friends of people whose lives were lost during the Solway Harvester accident have placed a bollard and plinth made from granite form the Isle of Whithorn, to mark their respect for the Manx government.
For the tourist who enjoys walking, there is the Road of the Gull, this is a trail which goes the whole way around the island. There are various different starting points as the trail is so long, there is a good public transport system that can take you to each point. In 1986 the trail opened as part of the Heritage year celebrations. The trail allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Summerhill Glen is another tourist attraction, at the Northern end of the promenade near the seafront. Pathways take you through the trees and plant life in the glen where you can watch the wildlife. The children will enjoy seeing the animal seats carved from wood and there is also a mushroom and gnome hill which will appeal to young children. At the entrance you will find two old canons, this spot is thought to have been a guarded defence point in days gone by.
You could take to the Manx railway line, for a steam train journey through the beautiful scenery between the town and Port Erin to the south. Or travel North along the coastline to Ramsay. Visit the Manx museum to experience the history of the Island.
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