Point of Ayre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Point of Ayre |
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 Point of Ayre and 'Winkie' lighthouse |
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 Point of Ayre
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| Crown dependency | Isle of Man |
The Point of Ayre is the northernmost tip of the Isle of Man. It's a special place located at the top end of Ramsey Bay. This spot is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of the town of Ramsey. You can get there by taking the A16 road from Bride.
At the Point of Ayre, you'll find the Point of Ayre lighthouse. This lighthouse is the oldest one on the Isle of Man. It helps guide ships safely.
Contents
What Makes the Point of Ayre Special?
The Point of Ayre is the closest part of the Isle of Man to the British mainland. It's only about 26 kilometers (16 miles) south of Burrow Head in Scotland.
The Name "Ayre"
The name "Ayre" comes from an old Norse word, Eyrr. This word means "gravel bank." The area is known for its strong ocean currents. These currents constantly move the shingle (small stones and gravel) around. This means the beach here changes its shape with every tide!
Fun Activities and Nature
The Point of Ayre is a great spot for fishing right from the beach. This is because of the big difference between high and low tides, called the tidal range.
Visitors also love the beautiful plants here. The lighthouse is surrounded by bright yellow gorse and purple heather. These plants mix with sand dunes that stretch to the south-west. These dunes are home to some rare wild flowers. The whole area is part of a Manx National Heritage Nature Reserve, which helps protect its natural beauty.
You can also see lots of different birds at the Point of Ayre. Both land birds and sea birds visit throughout the year. If you're lucky, you might even spot some grey seals playing in the water!
Images for kids
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Point of Ayre and 'Winkie' lighthouse
See also
- Punta de Ayre for kids (in Spanish)
