What part of God’s ’gem’ do people love the most?

Following the official launch of Year of Our Island last week, which aims to highlight the great benefits of living and working here, the Examiner decided to ask residents what area they would recommend to those visiting the island.

’Definitely Maughold,’ said Margaret Simpson aged 66. ’We came here 14 years ago and settled in Maughold. We wanted to live in the country and have a view and we certainly got it!’

Originally from Poland, but also having lived in London and Kent, Margaret feels very content staying in the island.

’I live near Cornaa and it’s gorgeous there. We get a direct view of the sea. We tend to have a lot of visitors and we make sure that we take them to the Sound, Peel for an ice-cream and to St John’s for the history.’

Nicole Corlett, 17, from Ramsey, said: ’I’d say Dhoon Glen. It’s quite picturesque and it’s a peaceful walk around the edge to the sea.’

Her friend Shannon Roberts, aged 16, and also from Ramsey agreed.

’Another nice place for people to visit is Peel castle. I also think people should visit Silly Moos campsite in Ramsey when the Dark Horse festival is on. It was pretty good last year with lots of cultural music,’ she explained.

Laxey resident, Anthony Kennedy, 34, said: ’It’s Laxey for me. I’ve got two kids who have easy access to great heritage sites and a beach. It’s a small community where everyone knows each other and it’s just a nice and relaxing place to live.

’You can go down to The Shore pub for a pint or eat in at the Mona Lisa restaurant. There’s also The Shed, which is a great place at the end of the Laxey Promenade, and it’s also easy to get into Douglas.

’I’m from Liverpool, but I’ve lived in Laxey for five to six years. Now we probably wouldn’t leave,’ he added.

Castletown couple, James Cubbon, 27, and Tori Kenyon, 24, think the best area in the island is Scarlett.

James said: ’It’s lovely, peaceful and quiet, especially in the summer, and it’s really good for fishing. I often go fishing off the Stack on the coast.

’It can be very nice in winter too, with the moody-looking waves. I do go to Scarlett, which is in Castletown, often.’

His partner, Tori, said: ’I’m the same. It’s beautiful. My most memorable moment of Scarlett was when James took me for a picnic in March one year and we drank prosecco together.’

Douglas resident, Brian Mallon, 74, has stayed true to his home roots.

’The Isle of Man is a beautiful place and I wouldn’t live anywhere else! My favourite area in the island is right here in Douglas. It’s just a nice environment to live in, everyone gets on with one another and there’s next to no crime.

’Everything is accessible, as I live very near the town centre. I do like to go to Ramsey every now and then, which is also another great area.’

When asked about his thoughts on the Douglas Promenade proposals, he said: ’I think it’s a great idea, but it should’ve been done sooner, as it would have been much cheaper back in the day. We’ve also got to keep the horse trams.’

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