Ballasalla

Ballasalla is a small, picturesque village on the Isle of Man, its name derives from the Manx Balley Salley meaning Place of the Willow Trees. Built mainly from the ruins of the nearby Abbey of St. Mary of Rushen, a medieval Cistercian abbey founded in 1134 by monks of the Sauvignac Order, Ballasalla is situated in the south of the island near Castletown. The Isle of Man is a unique island lying in the Irish Sea between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, less than 60 miles west of the Lancashire coastline and it is extremely easy to reach thanks to excellent sea and air services. As a holiday destination it is favoured because of its leisurely pace of life and belonging to neither the United Kingdom nor the European Union it has its own parliament(called Tynwald), laws, traditions, cultures and even postage stamps. Ballasalla boasts a delightful 13th century Monks Bridge, built by the monks of Rushen Abbey which crosses the Silverburn River; it is believed to be the finest example of a medieval bridge in the British Isles.

Attractions

Manx people are passionate about local mythology and the island thrives on folklore and fairies. The Fairy Bridge at nearby Santon, a short distance from Ballasalla is rumoured to be a hiding place for some of the island's little people and visitors should note that it is considered bad luck to cross the bridge without acknowledging the fairies who live therein!

[http://www.rushenabbey.iofm.net Rushen Abbey] is Ballasalla's most noted attraction. Founded in 1134 by the Viking king Olaf, the Abbey is situated by the Silverdale Burn and is the island's most important medieval religious site. Visitors to the Abbey have the opportunity to learn about Christianity on the island and what life was like for the community of Cistercian monks who lived there. During the 1900s the Abbey was well known for its strawberry and cream teas and became a popular tourist destination. Today the site is owned by the Isle of Man Government and is run as a Heritage Centre by Manx National Heritage.

The Mann Cat Sanctuary at Santon is a self-funded Manx registered charity providing a shelter and rescue service for the islandï¿½s cats. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome and they are invited to meet the sanctuary's cats, ducks, goats, ponies and Peter the Turkey!

Located at the former Royal Naval Air Station HMS Urley (now Ronaldsway Airport), can be found the [http://www.maps.iofm.net/museum.htm Manx Aviation and Military Museum] which tells the story of the Isle of Man's aviation history. The museum is an ideal starting point for a number of enjoyable walks up to the Silverdale Pleasure Park and Glen.

Shopping

As Ballasalla is only a small village shopping facilities are limited. The main shopping area on the island is Strand Street, in the centre of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man. High Street names such as Marks & Spencer, Boots and Woolworths can be found here with a good selection of local shops to tempt visitors. The street also houses two modern shopping centres, The Strand and Tower House.

The island's gift shops stock a good selection of quality gift items such as Manx kippers, printed TT shirts, miniature Laxey Wheels and Manx Loagthan sheep products.

The Tynwald Mills Craft Centre at St.Johns is a retail centre with a variety of outlets selling local crafts, clothing, art and specialised beauty products. Parking here is free and the centre also hosts a few cafes, a picnic area and a playground. The Courtyard Gallery here regularly holds exhibitions of local Manx artists' work, giving visitors the opportunity to view and purchase some of the best local crafts and contemporary art.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Situated at Silverdale Glen, Ballasalla, the Silverdale Cafe and Restaurant offers morning coffee, snacks, ice creams, lunches and teas. The restaurant/cafï¿½ can be found on the banks of the boating lake and there is a good selection of food on offer. In addition, the Glen has a children's playground, scenic walks and an unusual water-driven roundabout.

You will receive a warm welcome at the recently refurbished Whitestone Inn on Station Road. The menu is extensive and the special Sunday roast menu is particularly popular. Once a month the pub hosts an evening of live entertainment; this is popular with locals and visitors alike.

To sample some of the island's famous culinary delights it may be necessary to venture a little further afield. Manx kippers, fresh crab, distinctive Manx lobster and Queenies, a seafood delicacy made from a variety of small scallop are served in restaurants throughout the island. Other specialities include Manx lamb, tasty cheeses and locally brewed beers and spirits; all of which promise a memorable dining experience to satisfy every appetite.

For a real treat look no further than [http://www.ciappellis.com Ciapelli's] in the Admiral House Hotel, Douglas. This is reputed to be the island's finest restaurant with a modern, continental-style wine bar Aperitivo situated beneath the restaurant.

Tourist Information

The island's tourist information centre is based at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.It is open throughout the year from April-September 7 days a week and from October-March Monday to Friday. Leaflets, books and maps are readily available here; some are even produced in French and German.

Sea Terminal, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2RG

Tel: (01624) 686766
Fax: (01624) 686800
Email: tourism@gov.im

There is an additional tourist information point at:

Rushen AbbeyAbbey CloseBallasallaIsle of ManIM9

Airport

Reaching Ballasalla by air could not be easier. Ronaldsway Airport [www.iom-airport.com Isle of Man Airport] is situated between Ballasalla and Castle town and offers daily flights to many UK destinations. The airport can be easily reached by car, bus or by taking the Manx electric railway to Douglas and then the Victorian Steam Railway to the Ronaldsway stop.

Public transport on the island is very good; the bus service runs regularly, even to remote destinations and the enviable network of steam and electric trains and horse trams allows visitors to travel the length and breadth of the island with ease.

[http://www.steam-packet.com/SteamPacket The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company] offers quality ferry services if you prefer to travel by sea.