Port St Mary: A Guide to Its Geography and Attractions

Port St Mary is a charming village located on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea. It's situated on the southeastern coast of the island.

The village is nestled in a picturesque bay, surrounded by hills and cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the sea. The bay itself is a haven for sailors and fishermen, with a small harbour that provides a safe haven for boats.

The village has a strong sense of community, with a variety of shops, cafes, and pubs that cater to both locals and visitors.

The name "Port St Mary" has a fascinating history. It comes directly from the Manx version, which was originally "purt kill Moirrey", meaning "harbour of/by St Mary's church".

The name refers to a former Chapel of St Mary, which is likely the origin of the church reference.

The English name Port St Mary comes directly from the Manx version, originally purt kill Moirrey 'harbour of/by St Mary's church'. This name is likely a reference to the former Chapel of St Mary.

The Manx version uses the word purt, which was later metathesized into le, resulting in Port le Muire. Alternatively, the name may have been borrowed from French, where le means 'the'.

The history of the word is a long and winding road. It's believed to have originated in the 17th century.

The first recorded use of the word was in 1656. It was used to describe a type of musical instrument.

The word gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in Europe. This was largely due to the rise of music and the arts.

By the 19th century, the word was being used in a variety of contexts. It was used to describe not just music, but also emotions and experiences.

The 20th century saw a significant shift in the word's meaning. It became associated with a particular style of music and culture.

Port St Mary is located in the south-western part of the Isle of Man, near Port Erin. The village is nestled in a beautiful bay surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

A railway station is conveniently located just north of the village, making it easy to get around the island. The Isle of Man Railway runs between Douglas and Port Erin, with Port St Mary being one of the stops.

If you're driving, you can take the A5 road south from Douglas to reach Port St Mary. There are several parking options available in the village, including Gansey Point, Town Hall car park, and Chapel Gate car park.

To get to the beach, simply follow the signage from the car parks or the town centre. Alternatively, you can take the bus from Douglas to Port St Mary, which is a convenient option for those without a car.

Port St Mary is located in the south-western part of the Isle of Man, near Port Erin. It's a beautiful spot, and I can see why it's a popular destination.

The village has a railway station, which is one of the stops on the Isle of Man Railway between Douglas and Port Erin. Steam trains operate on the line several times a day during the summer season, and stop at Port St Mary.

You can also get to Port St Mary by bus, which is a convenient option if you don't have a car. Bus Vannin services connect Port St Mary to Port Erin, Castletown, Douglas, and Onchan.

Here are some key details to keep in mind:

The village is also connected to the rest of the island through 4G services from Sure and Manx, which is great for staying in touch with loved ones or getting some work done on the go. However, it's worth noting that 5G has not rolled out on the Isle of Man as of April 2023.

Beach destinations are perfect for a relaxing getaway. Port St. Mary Beach, also known as Chapel Beach, is a great example of a beautiful beach spot.

Located in the south-east of the island, Port St. Mary Beach has a pretty, sandy, sheltered beach. The beach is a great place to soak up the sun and enjoy the calm waters.

Port St. Mary has a small, but busy yacht harbour with fishing and sailing boats regularly coming and going.

Port St Mary is a charming village with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. The village's historic Town Hall is a must-visit, situated on the Victorian promenade and housing local government offices and a tourist information point.

The Anglican St Mary's Church stands proudly in the centre of the village, a beautiful chapel dedicated to Mary of Nazareth. The Living Hope Community Church, formerly known as Port St Mary Baptist Church, is located just north of St Mary's and features a modern building constructed in the early 2000s.

If you're looking for a taste of the village's history, be sure to visit the Port St Mary Methodist Chapel, built in 1903 as a Primitive Methodist chapel and known as Mount Tabor.

Port St Mary is a charming village with a rich history, and its buildings are a testament to that. The village is home to the Port St Mary Town Hall, a stunning stone building that houses local government offices and a tourist information point.

The town hall is thought to stand on the site of the original Keeill Moirrey, adding to its historical significance. It's a popular spot for performances and community gatherings, and is available for private hire.

St Mary's Church, an Anglican chapel, lies in the centre of the village and is dedicated to Mary of Nazareth. It's a beautiful place of worship that's definitely worth a visit.

Just north of St Mary's is the Living Hope Community Church, which was built in the early 2000s on the site of the former Port St Mary Baptist Church. The current church building replaced the old one, which was demolished in 2000.

The village is also home to the Port St Mary Methodist Chapel, built in 1903 as a Primitive Methodist chapel and known as Mount Tabor. Another smaller former Wesleyan chapel, which opened in 1835, used to be located on the High Street, but it was demolished in the 1970s.

For those looking for a place to stay, there are two pubs in Port St Mary - the Albert and The Railway Station. The Railway Station Pub is adjacent to Port St Mary railway station, making it a convenient spot to grab a drink after a day of exploring.

The village is also home to a small 1860s "pepperpot" lighthouse, which was destroyed in a storm in 2009. A temporary beacon was erected until a permanent replacement was constructed in 2018, although some controversy surrounds its ability to withstand a storm.

The Goods Shed is a fascinating part of the history of this place. A timber goods shed was provided in 1880, being of similar style to those elsewhere on the route.

It's a shame that no known photographs of this shed survive, but it's believed to have been similar to the one at Crosby Station on the Peel Line. This shed was in a "Swiss" style and capable of being relocated.

The timber goods shed was eventually replaced by a stone structure, which remains extant.

Port St Mary is a charming tourist destination on the South coast of the Isle of Man. It's located at Lat 54° 04’.4N Lon 04° 43’.7W.

The port of Port St Mary is situated on the South coast of the Isle of Man, making it a great spot to explore the surrounding area. You can access the port without any restrictions outside of the bay.

If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that cruise liners normally anchor in a specific position, about 5 cables SE of the end of Alfred Pier (Breakwater) and 5 cables SW of the Carrick Rock in depths of about 20 to 25 m.

Here are some nearby attractions to consider visiting:

Just be aware that Bay ny Carrickey is untenable in strong winds from E through SE to SW, so plan your visit accordingly.

Port St Mary has a variety of facilities to accommodate different types of vessels. Berths are available in both tidal and deep water, making it a convenient stop for sailors.

You can moor your craft at one of the two yellow Visitors buoys or at a private orange mooring if available. The Harbour Office can allocate a private mooring during office hours, while the Marine Operations Centre can be contacted after hours for assistance.

Anchorage is also an option, with Chapel Bay offering depths between 3M and 6M. However, be aware that the inner harbour has ladders 8 to 12 reserved for visiting craft.

Getting around the island is relatively easy, thanks to the public transport system. Bus services are available from Douglas to Port St Mary.

To get to the beach, you'll need to get off the bus at the Port St Mary Harbour.

Berths are varied, with both tidal and deep water facilities available. This is great for boats of different sizes and needs.

Two yellow Visitors buoys are available for mooring, and private orange moorings can be allocated if available. You'll need to contact the Harbour Office during office hours or the Marine Operations Centre on +44 1624 686626 after hours.

Chapel Bay offers anchorage with depths between 3M and 6M. This is a great option for boats that don't need to be tied up to a mooring.

Craft up to 11M and less than 2.5M draft can moor in the inner end of Alfred Pier at ladders 1 to 4. The visitor berth is the 5th ladder from the landward side of Alfred Pier.

A seasonal pontoon is available for vessels up to 10m plus 1.3m draft. This is a great option for smaller boats that need a bit more space.

The inner harbour, specifically ladders 8 to 12, are normally used by visiting craft. This is a convenient and safe place to moor.

It's worth noting that when approaching the harbour from the SW, it's best to give Callow Point and Alfred Pier at least two cable clearance until the quay lighthouse is open to the North of the Alfred Pier. This will help avoid any obstacles.