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Viking and Celtic Heritage Tour
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
8 Hours
Mobile ticket
Pickup offered
Offered in: English
Overview
The term “Viking” captures our imagination – warriors wielding swords with horned helmets as they set sail on longboat voyages. Among those destinations was the Isle of Man, where Celtic Christianity was already well established. Discover the island’s early Christian heritage, visiting an early monastastic site with its ruined Keeills. Uncover the lesser-known story of these mysterious Norsemen, as they encountered Celtic Christians and made the Isle of Man their home. Louise is an enthusiastic Blue Badge Guide who offers a personalised experience driving you to iconic landmarks and lesser known gems that are inaccessible by public transport.
Every tour can be tailored to suit your pace, preferences, and individual needs including visiting places that are wheelchair accessible if required, so don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss your specific needs with us.
Tour timings allow for travel between points of interest, refreshments stops and opportunities to purchase souvenirs.
What's Included
- Blue Badge Driver Guide
- Entry where applicable into Museums and Castles
- Private Tour in an Air-conditioned Private Vehicle
- Lunch
- Refreshments
- Gratuities
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Louise will meet you at the Welcome desk situated inside the Sea Terminal Building.
End Point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Contact made via email / media / telephone message. I can meet you at an arranged and convenient pick up point with accurate instructions as to where I will be meeting you. Drop off point does not need to be the same as your pick up point and can be arranged as needed for your convenience.
What To Expect
St. Adamnan's - Lonan Old Church
The Viking & Celtic Christian Heritage Tour, will begin with a visit to Lonan Old Church, dedicated to St. Adamnan, the Abbot of Iona, dating back to the 12th century. This secluded ancient site holds religious significance, showcasing a collection of carved stone crosses from the 7th century, including an impressive 10th century wheel head cross situated in its original position.
45 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Kirk Maughold Church
From Lonan, we venture onto Maughold, situated in a stunning area of natural beauty, we can explore a unique blend of Celtic and Viking heritage as we view some remarkable examples of carved stone crosses and explore the remnants of the first monastery on the island dating back to the 6th century.
1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free
Jurby Church
Venturing onto St. Patrick’s Church in the coastal setting of Jurby, we can find a rich tapestry of history; untouched Viking burial mounds can be seen in the churchyard while inside the church, an array of carved stone crosses adds to the site’s historical allure.
45 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Peel
Heading westward, we’ll venture to Peel; with its adjacent St. Patrick’s isle said to be one of the most important historic and religious sites in the British isles. Dominated by the sprawling ruins of Peel castle, it is a place steeped in legend and myth. The site, first used more than 7000 years ago, has served as a settlement, a Celtic Monastery, a religious centre and a Viking stronghold and fortress throughout its history. We'll also visit the House of Manannan, where we’ll experience reconstructions of a Celtic roundhouse and a Viking longhouse, along with an opportunity to view the replica Viking ship Odin’s Raven.
1 Hours 30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Tynwald Hill
Next, we'll visit Tynwald Hill; Tynwald is believed to have been established by Norse Viking settlers over a thousand years ago making it the oldest continuous parliament in the world. The hill symbolizes the Isle of Man’s independence as a self-governing crown dependency. There's a wealth of history to explore in this area including the Royal Chapel likely built on the site of an ancient Keeill.
45 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Heading south via The Braaid we’ll see the views that inspired John Martin’s “The Plains of Heaven" painting, currently found in the Tate Modern, and also views of an abandoned farmstead featuring an Iron Age Roundhouse and two Norse Longhouses. Finishing the tour, we’ll explore Castletown, marveling the impressive Castle Rushen, built by a Viking King and where the last Viking King on the Isle of Man died. Additionally, there may also be a chance to visit Rushen Abbey which is steeped in Christian heritage.
1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free
Fairy Bridge
As we end the tour we will head back via Fairy Bridge. The tour timings allow for travel between points of interest and refreshments stops.
• Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- The tour timings allow for travel between points of interest and refreshments stops.
- Infant seats available upon request
Operated by Isle of Man Guided Tours and Adventures
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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