Crown dependency Isle of Man First lit 1818 | Height 32 m Automated 1993 | |
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Similar Calf of Man, Snaefell, Maughold Head, Castle Rushen, Laxey Wheel | ||
The Point of Ayre (Manx: Kione ny h-Ayrey) is the northernmost point of the Isle of Man. It lies at the northern end of Ramsey Bay 10 kilometres (6 mi) north of the town of Ramsey. The point can be accessed by the A16 road from Bride. Point of Ayre lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Isle of Man, is located here.
Map of Point of Ayre Lighthouse, A16, Isle of Man
It is the closest point on the Isle of Man to the British mainland, being 26 kilometres (16 mi) south of Burrow Head in Scotland.
The name Ayre comes from the Norse word Eyrr meaning gravel bank. Strong currents offshore cause an ever-changing build-up of shingle. so that the beach changes shape with each tide.
The considerable tidal range at the Point of Ayre provides excellent fishing from the beach. Many visitors are attracted by the gorse and heather which surrounds the lighthouse and merges with sand dunes stretching to the south-west, providing cover for rare wild flowers and forming part of a Manx National Nature Reserve. A wide variety of land and sea birds visit the area throughout the year, as do a number of grey seals.