Fairy Bridge
A small bridge with a big tradition: greet the Isle of Man’s little people for luck and avoid misfortune on your travels.
A small, unassuming bridge on the A5 road between Douglas and Castletown, Fairy Bridge is one of the Isle of Man’s most famous folklore sites. Locals and visitors alike greet the island’s ‘little people’ as they cross, upholding a long-standing tradition said to bring good luck and avoid misfortune. Surrounded by quiet countryside and the Santon Burn, the bridge has become a symbolic gateway to Manx superstition, especially popular with TT race fans and those seeking a touch of island magic.
A brief summary to Fairy Bridge
- Isle of Man, IM
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Say ‘Hello, fairies!’ or ‘Good day, little people!’ as you cross the bridge – it’s considered bad luck not to, especially before a journey or flight.
- Be cautious when stopping; the lay-by is small and the A5 is a busy main road. Park only where safe and never obstruct traffic.
- If you leave an offering, choose something biodegradable and wildlife-friendly; avoid plastic trinkets that can harm the environment.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Isle of Man Steam Railway at Santon or the TT Grandstand at Douglas for a fuller Manx experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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By car
From Douglas, follow the A5 south towards Castletown for about 10–15 minutes; Fairy Bridge is clearly signposted on the main road with a small roadside lay-by. From Castletown, drive north on the A5 for roughly 10 minutes to reach the bridge. Parking is limited to the small lay-by, suitable for a few cars or motorcycles, and care is needed as the A5 is a busy main road.
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By bus
Take bus number 1 or 2 from Douglas or Castletown and alight at Santon. From there, walk along the A5 for about 10–15 minutes to reach Fairy Bridge. The route is along a main road with no pavement, so walking is best suited for short distances and in good daylight.
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By train and walk
Take the Isle of Man Steam Railway to Santon Station, then walk along the B26 and join the A5, heading towards Castletown for about 10–15 minutes to reach the bridge. The walk is on quiet roads and the main A5, with no dedicated pavement on the final stretch.
Fairy Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fairy Bridge
A Bridge of Whimsy and Warning
Nestled on the A5 road between Douglas and Castletown, Fairy Bridge is a modest stone culvert spanning the Santon Burn, where the parishes of Santon and Malew meet. At first glance, it’s an ordinary rural bridge, but its true significance lies in the superstition that surrounds it. For generations, Manx people have believed that the island is home to the Mooinjer Veggey – the ‘little people’ – and that crossing this particular bridge requires a greeting. To pass without saying ‘Hello, fairies!’ or ‘Good day, little people!’ is considered bad luck, especially for those heading to the airport or setting off on a journey.Roots in Manx Folklore
The tradition of greeting the fairies at this bridge is thought to have taken hold in the 20th century, though it may echo older customs. Some suggest it preserves a folk memory of crossing the boundary of Rushen Abbey’s lands, where a crucifix once marked the limit and travellers would cross themselves. Over time, this religious gesture may have transformed into a more playful, secular greeting to the island’s mythical inhabitants. The bridge’s location on a parish and sheading boundary adds to its liminal quality, a place where the ordinary world brushes against the unseen.A Modern Ritual of Luck
Today, Fairy Bridge is a living piece of Manx identity. Bus drivers make automated announcements reminding passengers to greet the little people as they cross, and many locals still observe the custom, especially before important trips. The bridge has become particularly associated with the Isle of Man TT races, where riders and fans often stop to pay their respects, leaving small tokens, notes, and mementos as offerings. These roadside tributes blend superstition with memorial, turning the bridge into a poignant, ever-changing shrine to both the little people and those lost on the island’s roads.Two Fairy Bridges, One Island
Adding to the intrigue is the existence of another, older ‘Fairy Bridge’ near Kewaigue, a ruined stone bridge over the Middle River. This site, hidden in woodland and reached by footpath, is considered by some to be the original Fairy Bridge, where Victorians once picnicked and made wishes. While the A5 bridge is now the more famous of the two, both reflect the deep-rooted belief that the Mooinjer Veggey are not confined to a single spot, but are present throughout the island’s landscape, especially near water and boundaries. The duality of these bridges speaks to how folklore evolves, with one site becoming a tourist icon while the other remains a quieter, more secretive place of offering and memory.Visiting the Bridge Today
Visitors to Fairy Bridge will find a simple roadside stop with a small lay-by, enough for a few cars or motorcycles. There are no formal facilities at the site, but its location on the main road means nearby towns like Castletown and Douglas are close at hand. The experience is brief but meaningful: a moment to pause, greet the little people, and connect with the island’s whimsical, slightly mysterious spirit. Whether taken as a serious superstition or a charming tradition, crossing Fairy Bridge is a small act that encapsulates the Isle of Man’s unique blend of history, folklore, and modern life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Silverdale Glen Cafe
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The Whitestone Inn
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The Abbey Restaurant
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Ronaldsway Battlefield
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Langness
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The Sidings
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Laser-Mayhem
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Southern 100 Road Races
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Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce
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Castletown Lighthouse
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Unmissable attractions to see
Murray's Motorcycle Museum
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Port Grenaugh Beach
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Monks Bridge
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Silverdale Glen
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Rushen Abbey
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Isle of Man Steam Railway - (Port Soderick,Station)
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The Legs of Man
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Port Soderick
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Port Soderick Beach
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Manx Aviation and Military Museum
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Derbyhaven Beach
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St. Michael's Chapel
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The Braaid
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Isle of Man Railway - Castletown Station
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Essential places to dine
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The Forge
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Comis Hotel & Golf Resort
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Café Bar Two Six
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Bay Green Restaurant
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Eat Out Isle of Man
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Kizuna
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Tuscany Restaurant
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Leonardo's Restaurant
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Victoria Grill
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Garrison
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Rush Inn Chinese Takeaway
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The George Hotel
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Secret Pizza
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Lucky House
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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SPAR Clagh Vane
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Costain Pharmacy
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Vinyl Flooring
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Ballasalla Stores
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Watches of Mann
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Manxit - Automotive
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Beautiful Blooms Ltd
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Manx Ices
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M J S Marine Services
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Ballasalla Signs
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Toque Snuff Ltd
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Old McFarmolds
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Tile Gallery
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Snuff Store UK
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Viking Hotel
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The Castle Arms
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Union Hotel
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The Heron
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Baltic Inn
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Seven Kingdom Distillery
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The Railway Inn
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Saddle Inn
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Bar George
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The Outback
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Kiki Lounge
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British Hotel
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The Prospect
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Castletown Rifle Club
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Castletown Football Club
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Castletown Youth Centre
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The Crosby
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Mad Jack's
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The Seven Sins Speakeasy
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Manx Legion Club
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1886 Bar & Grill
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Brendan O'Donnell's
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Jak's Bar & Smokehouse
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The Shore
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The Original Quids Inn
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Scenic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Pet Friendly
