[From Leech's Guide, 1861]

CHAPTER VII.

POINT OF AYRE.

"The mariner remembers when a child,
On his first voyage he saw it fade and sink;
And when returning from adventures wild,
He saw it rise again o’er ocean’s brink.

"Sail on I it says, sail on, ye stately ships
And with your floating bridge the ocean span;
Be mine to guard this light from all eclipse,
Be yours to bring man nearer unto mass."

ABOUT seven miles from Ramsey is the Point of Ayre. the most northerly part of the Island; and so near Scotland, being only sixteen miles from Burrow Head, that tradition mentions a project of one of the ancient Kings of Man to build a bridge across from one country to the other. Many both of the Man and Gallovidian peasantry still believe in this chimerical attempt having been made. There is a pleasant walk to the Point of Ayre along the sea coast by Cranstal, which being in the inner part of the shallow crescent of the bay, shortens the distance considerably. But the journey by highroad is by no means fatiguing, the district being mostly low and level, and the eye of the leisurely pedestrian ranges unobstructed over field and meadow, noting the pretty shady lanes, leafy nooks, and small whitewashed farmsteads, each standing in its own little independent territory.

A lighthouse has been erected at the Point of Ayre by the Commissioners of Northern Lights, a point which was formerly very dangerous to mariners on account of the currents meeting there and forming a vortex. In the calmest weather a heaving swell may be observed for several miles at sea immediately off the point. Now, however, the number of accidents is very much diminished. The lighthouse is one hundred and six feet high, and shows a red and white light alternately. Sailors can see this light, which revolves every two minutes, from a distance of fifteen miles. A splendid panoramic view is obtained of the land and sea around from the top of the lighthouse, access to which is kindly afforded by the attentive and intelligent keepers, whose assistance in ascending the uppermost or light-room is indispensable, as the steps are perpendicular. The water being deep immediately off the Point, steamers and sailing vessels may be seen passing within a stonethrow from the shore. Kirk Bride church is passed on the way to the lighthouse, and near the road is a tumulus called Cronk-y-Voalan, which being very ancient, affords interesting study to the antiquarian.