'St Patrick's Isle' () is a small
island off the
Isle of Man in the
Irish Sea, largely occupied by
Peel Castle and noted for its attractive and relatively well preserved historic castle
ruins. These ruins include St Patrick's Church and an Irish like Round Tower, St German Cathedral, and the more recent residence of
Lords of Mann. The ancient
cathedral was left to decay in the 18th century, never to be rebuilt. The
islet is now a tourist site within the castle walls. There is a public walk around the outside of the castle, which lines the coastal edge of the islet.
The island's steep and rocky edges made it an ideal defensive outpost. It is said to be the place where
St Patrick first set foot in the Isle of Man and was consequently named after him.
It is connected to the town of
Peel on the Isle of Man by a
causeway over
Fenella beach.
In addition to the historic ruins, the island is partially a sealife sanctuary.
It was originally referred to as ''Inis'' (or ''Ynnys'') ''Patraic'' in
Manx.
External links
★
Manx Place Names 1925 - Parish of Kirk Patrick
★
Isle-of-Man.com Peel Castle & St Patrick's Isle with aerial photo