The Isle of Man is a small island at the centre of the British Isles, and has provided British holidaymakers a near by island escape for many years. The island’s geographical position, in the Irish Sea, allows a host of connections to England, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ferries provide transport between the destinations.

The Isle of Man has a curious history and is governed by its own legal system. It is also home to the oldest parliament in the world; Tynwald. The port has undergone a construction programme to develop a second linkspan. The modern design provides elevated walkways so ferry passengers can reach the roll on–roll off ferries servicing the island.

The port is well equipped with a café catering for hungry ferry passengers, and a convenience store selling last minute travel essentials. The Terazza Café, located in the Departure Lounge, stays open throughout the year. For all other conveniences, passengers only have to walk a few footsteps to find an array of shops and services in the town of Douglas.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company operates services between the Isle of Man and Heysham, Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast. Conventional ferries make the journey all year round, while speedier Fastcraft vessels supplement services during the busy summer season.

The journey time between Heysham and the Isle of Man is two hours onboard the Fastcraft, with a longer 3 hours, 30 minutes on the traditional ferry. Liverpool to the Isle of Man takes 2 hours, 30 minutes onboard the Fastcraft, and four hours for the conventional ship.

Dublin can be reached in 2 hours, 45 minutes on the Fastcraft, with a journey time of 4 hours, 45 minutes on the normal ferry. Sailing from the Isle of Man to Belfast also takes 2 hours, 45 minutes on the Fastcraft. Ferries are equipped for passengers with disabilities including disabled toilets and ramps.

Tags: Belfast, British Isles, Douglas Port, Dublin, England, Heysham, Ireland, Isle of Man, Liverpool