Name: House of Manannan
Rating: 5.0

House of Manannan

Peel Quayside, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1TA, null

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The House of Manannan is a captivating heritage centre located in Peel that stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in Isle of Man. This immersive museum uses state-of-the-art technology and life-sized recreations to guide families through the island's Celtic, Viking, and maritime past. It is a brilliant way to explore history through the eyes of the mythological sea god, Manannan, making it a favorite for curious young explorers.

Entry to this historical journey is great value, with prices starting from £7 for children and £14 for adults. Families can take advantage of the "Holiday Pass" which offers multi-site access across the island for a single price. Infants under five usually enter for free, ensuring the youngest family members can join the adventure without extra cost.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines storytelling with physical exploration, this is the perfect destination. The venue offers a high-quality educational day out where kids can board a Viking longship or walk through a traditional Manx cottage. It provides a weather-proof learning environment that brings the Isle of Man's unique culture to life through engaging, interactive displays.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Odin’s Raven: A magnificent, full-scale replica of a Viking longship that sailed from Norway to the Isle of Man in 1979.
The Celtic Roundhouse: A detailed recreation where kids can see how the island's earliest inhabitants lived, complete with the sounds of a flickering hearth.
Peel Quayside: A lifelike 19th-century street scene featuring a kipper curing house and a traditional Manx cottage.
The Manx Crosses: An impressive collection of intricately carved stone crosses that tell stories of the island's Viking and Christian transition.
The Maritime Gallery Refresh: Updated interactive displays in the maritime section focusing on the island's lifeboat history and modern conservation efforts.

Facilities

The Coffee Station: An on-site café offering snacks, light lunches, and refreshments for a post-exploration break.
Museum Shop: Sells a variety of Viking-themed toys, local Manx crafts, and educational books.
Toilets & Changing: Fully accessible toilet facilities and dedicated baby changing areas are available inside.
Parking: There is a large car park located directly outside the building, including designated disabled parking bays.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum houses a vast collection of specific Manx artefacts and large-scale reconstructions:
The Pagan Lady’s Necklace: A famous collection of beads and charms found in a Viking grave at Peel Castle.
Odin’s Raven: The 50-foot replica Viking longship.
St Patrick’s Isle Model: A detailed scale model showing the development of Peel Castle over the centuries.
Iron Age Roundhouse: A full-scale reconstruction of a thatched Celtic home.
Manx Fishing Boat: A life-sized "Nickey" fishing vessel used in the 19th-century herring industry.
Victorian Shopfronts: Authentic reconstructions of old Peel businesses, including a chemist and a general store.
Manx Language Display: Interactive zones dedicated to the history and revival of the Manx Gaelic language.
Steam Packet Exhibit: Items and stories relating to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s long history.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The House of Manannan is perfectly placed for a full day in Peel. Peel Castle is just across the marina, reachable via a short walk over the bridge. For an outdoor break, Peel Beach is directly adjacent to the quayside, offering golden sands and excellent local ice cream shops nearby.

New for 2026

For the 2026 season, the museum features the 'Mind Your Language' exhibition (running until October 4, 2026), which uses digital interactives to explore how the Manx language has survived and thrived. There is also a refreshed focus on the 'Kingdom of Man and the Isles' gallery, featuring updated displays on the powerful Norse-Gaelic kings.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £14 (all visitors have the option to make a voluntary donation of £1.50 at point of entry)
Student: £7 (over 18 with a valid Student Card)
Children: FREE (children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult)

Pricing URL: https://manxnationalheritage.im/our-sites/house-of-manannan/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Daily: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Address: Peel Quayside, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1TA, null

Post Code: IM5 1TA

Council: Peel

County: Isle of Man

By Car: Follow signs to Peel; the museum is located on Mill Road near the harbor. Use postcode IM5 1TA. Free parking is available on-site.
By Bus: Take bus routes 1, 1H, 5, or 6 from Douglas or Ramsey to the Peel bus stop, which is a 5-minute walk away.
By Foot: Easily accessible from the Peel quayside and beach area.