Peel
The main settlement on the west coast of the Isle of Man is Peel, which immediately captivates the eye with its striking castle looming high above the harbour and sandy beach, the latter sweeping the full length of the eastern promenade. Peel remains a town of some antiquity and its enduring appeal lies principally in being one of the most 'Manx' of all the island towns, a character manifested in various ways from its age-old Tuesday market to the line of wood-smoke-belching kipper factories ranged along the harbour side. Archaeological evidence indicates that St Patrick's Isle, guarding Peel Harbour, has had a significant population since Mesolithic times. Remains of a 7th century monastery are in evidence inside the ramparts of the red sandstone Peel Castle. Vikings constructed the first fortifications and the stronghold later became the residence of the Kings of Man until 1220 when their court moved to Castle Rushen in Castletown.
The English continued to strengthen the fortress completing a 15 ft curtain wall around the islet, which remains in good repair to this day.