MAN, WHAT A TRIP!

GROWING up with a father who had a passion for motorsports, the Isle of Man was a seasonal topic in my house thanks to the the Isle of Man TT, or Tourist Trophy - the annual motorcycle racing event that takes place in early summer on the island.

- BY SARAH MAGLIOCCO

While this famous series of race days might be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the island’s name, it has much more to offer year round for holidaymakers, particularly in its wild landscapes, sweeping coastal views and rugged vistas, all steeped in history and offering an interlude from the constant static of everyday life.

To navigate these landscapes, we were meeting with Andy North, the author of The Wild Guide book for the Isle of Man who would act as our shepherd through the shell-strewn beaches, tree-lined hills and winding roads.

A musician, photographer and owner of Happy Explorer Nature Adventures, Andy's comprehensive guidebook reveals over 400 secret locations across the Isle of Man that encourage communion with nature, and we were going to squeeze in as many of them as we could on our trip. The Isle of Man is the world’s only whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, so submerging ourselves in nature and switching off was the goal.

For those travelling from Ireland, it is just a short 40-minute flight from Dublin to Ronaldsway Airport, located to the south of the island, with Aer Lingus. A bonus experience for anyone interested in planes, as the flight is operated by a turboprop aircraft.

Ferries to the Isle of Man from Ireland also depart from both Belfast and Dublin for anyone who wants to bring their vehicle, and typically take anywhere from two hours and 45 minutes to four hours.

Staying in Douglas allows for a great vantage point to explore the island, with nothing unreachable by car in an hour from the thriving capital. Shops, restaurants and bars offer a huge selection of options, and a stroll along the Harris Promenade awards visitors with a view of The Gaiety Theatre, which opened in 1900.