Once upon a time, fairies partied hard on Fairy Hill. This is also known as Cronk Howe Mooar. It stands proudly on the Rowany Golf Course in Port Erin. Fairy Hill is the most famous fairy home on the Isle of Man.
Legend speaks of a man who stumbled upon the fairies. He saw them riding off with his cows. Following them he found himself inside Fairy Hill. A grand party was in full swing. He remembered a warning. Never eat or drink fairy food or wine.
The man steered clear of the treats. But then the Jough y Dorrys came around. This was the drink of the door or the final drink of the night. It was hard to resist. Thinking quickly he threw the wine over the lights.
He made a run for it. He managed to reach Kirk Christ Rushen. There he stayed until daybreak. He still grasped the cup he took from Fairy Hill. What a souvenir.
Fairy Hill isn’t just a spot for wild parties. It’s also an ancient site. History tells us it’s an artificial hill. Remains of a stone faced structure sit on top. This is typical of a motte or castle mound.
Fairy Hill rises about 35 feet high. A ditch surrounds its base. It may have been one of the timber forts. These were constructed around 11AD. Excavations took place in the early 1900s. This unveiled some of its secrets.
To get to Fairy Hill by car head to the south of the Island. Locate the A7. Take the A5 from Douglas or A27 from Peel. The site is near Ballachurry. It overlooks the Rowany Golf Course.
By bus, take the no. 1 or 2 from Douglas. Or take the no. 8 from Peel. Walk to the site along A7. Go through Port Erin towards Ballachurry. It’s about half a mile away.
You can also take the train. Take the Electric Railway to Douglas. Then take the Steam Railway to Port Erin. Walk to the site along A7 through Port Erin. Head towards Ballachurry. Again, it’s about half a mile away.
The mooinjer veggey are an important part of Manx folklore. These little people demand respect. Disrespecting them can lead to trouble. Mischief or worse could befall you.
Themselves, the Little People, the Little Fellas or the Mooinjer Veggey can be problematic. They might steal a baby. They might punch a sleeping woman. So be careful around these ones.
Long ago people associated the Lil’ Fella with the devil. These beings dwell in burial mounds. This differs from today’s idea of winged and kind fairies. Remember the traditional Mooinjer Veggey. Watch out for a punch in the eye in the night time.
So when you visit Fairy Hill remember its stories. Think of the parties and the ancient forts. Respect the mooinjer veggey. You never know who might be watching. Fairy Hill holds many secrets. Perhaps you’ll uncover one of your own.