Fenella Beach

Fenella Beach is a short strip of sand that connects St Patrick’s Isle to the rest of the Isle of Man. Located in a small, sheltered cove, Fenella is popular for water sports.

The beach here is somewhat dominated by the well-preserved ruins of Peel Castle. Visitors can explore the castle which occupies most of St Patrick’s Isle. The island has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and was once a military stronghold. It is not hard to see why as it boasts commanding views over the surrounding area. It is said to be the first place St Patrick visited on the Isle of Man when he converted the inhabitants to Christianity.

Today, visitors can take an audio tour, or just walk around the outside on a coastal path. Many take the time to stop off at picturesque Fenella Beach adjacent to the causeway, along with the locals who also frequent the beach.

The beach is flanked by rocky cliffs on either side. Above the beach, a 7-foot- high carving of Fenella (a character in Walter Scott’s novel, Peveril of the Peak) looks down onto the beach.  The statue is carved out of a single piece of ash tree.

There is parking right next to the beach, and more places to park in Peel. The beach is well signposted and there are plenty of places to get something to eat nearby.