Meayll Circle: Neolithic Chambered Cairn on Meayll Hill
Explore Meayll Circle, a unique Neolithic chambered cairn atop Meayll Hill with breathtaking coastal views and rich ancient history.
Meayll Circle is a remarkable Neolithic chambered cairn located near the summit of Meayll Hill on the Isle of Man. This ancient archaeological site features 12 burial chambers arranged in pairs within an 18-foot ring, accessed through six entrance passages. The site offers stunning panoramic views over the southern coastline, including the Calf of Man, and includes remnants of a World War II Chain Home Low radar station nearby. Artifacts such as pottery shards, flint tools, and charred bones found here reveal its rich prehistoric significance.
A brief summary to Meayll Circle
- 36FJ+JG9, Isle of Man, IM
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing due to the steep and uneven footpaths leading to the site.
- Visit the nearby Manx Museum to see artifacts excavated from Meayll Circle, including pottery shards and flint tools.
- Allow time to explore the World War II Chain Home Low radar station remains near the summit for added historical interest.
- Bring a camera to capture panoramic views over Port Erin Bay, Bradda Head, and the Calf of Man island.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus and Walk
Take the local bus service to Cregneash Village, which runs several times daily from Port Erin and Douglas. From Cregneash, it is a 15–20 minute walk along a marked footpath to Meayll Circle. The path includes steep and uneven sections, so suitable footwear is essential. Bus fares range from £3 to £6 depending on the starting point.
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Car and Footpath
Drive to the Ballnahowe Road near Cregneash and park in the grassed lay-by on the left. From here, follow one of two footpaths: a shorter, steep scramble taking 3–5 minutes or a longer, gentler 10–15 minute walk passing WWII radar remains. No vehicular access is permitted beyond the parking area. Parking is free but limited.
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Guided Walking Tour
Join a guided walking tour departing from Port Erin or Cregneash, which includes transportation and expert commentary on Meayll Circle and surrounding sites. Tours last around 2–3 hours and cost approximately £15–£25 per person, depending on the provider and season.
Meayll Circle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Meayll Circle
Ancient Origins and Unique Structure
Meayll Circle is an exceptional Neolithic monument dating back over 5,000 years, making it one of the Isle of Man’s most outstanding megalithic sites. Unlike typical stone circles, it is a chambered cairn composed of twelve burial chambers or cists arranged in pairs around a roughly 18-foot diameter ring. Each pair of chambers is accessed by a short T-shaped passage, with six entrances leading into the complex. The cairn’s original covering of stones has mostly been removed over time, leaving the skeletal layout visible today. This unique architectural form is unparalleled in the British Isles, reflecting both local craftsmanship and influences from across the Irish Sea region.Archaeological Finds and Cultural Significance
Excavations have uncovered shards of ornate pottery, flint tools, charred human bones, and white quartz pebbles within the burial chambers, providing insight into the Neolithic inhabitants’ burial practices and material culture. The site’s Manx name, Rhullick-y-lagg-shliggagh, translates to "graveyard of the valley of broken slates," while "Meayll" means "bald" in Manx Gaelic, referring to the hill’s treeless summit. The cairn’s long history spans from Neolithic times through the Medieval period, and it is steeped in local legends involving hauntings and Viking burials, adding layers of mythic resonance to its archaeological importance.Setting and Views from Meayll Hill
Situated near the summit of Meayll Hill, the site commands spectacular views over the southern Isle of Man coastline. Visitors can gaze across Port Erin Bay to Bradda Head and the Sound, with the Calf of Man island prominently visible. The hill’s terrace location was likely chosen deliberately to frame these vistas, linking the monument visually and symbolically to the surrounding landscape and sea. The panoramic outlook also includes glimpses of the northern watershed around Dalby, emphasizing Meayll Circle’s commanding presence within the island’s natural environment.World War II Remnants and Modern Access
Near the cairn’s summit lie the remains of a World War II Chain Home Low radar station, part of the island’s wartime defenses. This adds a contrasting historical layer to the prehistoric site. Access to Meayll Circle involves a steep, uneven footpath from nearby roads, with two main routes: a shorter but very steep scramble and a longer, gentler path passing the radar remains. The site is enclosed by a wire fence with a stile for entry, and visitors should be prepared for challenging terrain and variable weather conditions typical of the island’s southwest.Preservation and Visitor Experience
Meayll Circle is publicly accessible year-round, though care must be taken due to the steep approach and uneven ground. The nearby Manx Museum holds many artifacts recovered from the site, offering further context for visitors interested in the island’s prehistoric heritage. The combination of ancient burial chambers, dramatic coastal views, and wartime relics creates a unique and evocative experience that connects visitors deeply with the Isle of Man’s layered history and landscape.Local Legends and Cultural Heritage
The monument is enveloped in folklore, with stories of hauntings and Viking burials enriching its mystique. These narratives reflect the islanders’ enduring connection to Meayll Hill as a place of ancestral memory and spiritual significance. The site’s distinctive architecture and setting make it a cultural heritage landmark, symbolizing the Isle of Man’s ancient past and its ongoing relationship with the natural world around it.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Chasms
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Childrens Park
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Perwick Beach
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Port Erin
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Essential places to dine
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Bay Hotel
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The Riddler under the Nest
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Water Refill Point
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The Station
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Cafe Red
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Subway
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Andrea's Italian Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Scoops
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Co-op Food - Port Erin
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
