A site used over a number of ages including the Mesolithic (approx. 8000-4000BC), Iron Age (approx. 500BC-500AD) and Viking (approx.800-1100AD) periods.
A site used over a number of ages including the Mesolithic (approx. 8000-4000BC), Iron Age (approx. 500BC-500AD) and Viking (approx.800-1100AD) periods.
Open access all year round.
No admission fee – open access
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A site used over a number of ages including the Mesolithic (approx. 8000-4000BC), Iron Age (approx. 500BC-500AD) and Viking (approx.800-1100AD) periods. The site shows evidence of both domestic and defensive occupation and overlooks an inlet, perhaps providing a deterrent against invaders or raiders. The Viking promontory fort is now eroded to much less than its original size but may once have contained a roundhouse and defensive palisade walls. 200m south of the fort, similar erosion has revealed Mesolithic stone tools, a hearth and artefacts suggesting it was used as a temporary camp for hunter-gatherers around 5700BC. Many of the finds from the site can be seen in the Manx Museum.
By Car: From Douglas follow the main A5 route towards Castletown for approximately 10km. In Ballasalla, turn first left at the roundabout by the Whitestone Inn. Cross the train tracks and take the next left onto Balthane Road (pictured below) and follow the road until it ends. Turn left and continue for 450m towards the entrance of the quarry. You will pass
several lay-bys, but please avoid parking in these as they are used by local workers.
Prior to the quarry entrance, there is a parking area for Cass ny Hawin. Once you have left your car, continue walking along the road for the next 300m. There is gate where the road ends (pictured below). Go through this gate, and directly across the field. There is an approximately 250m walk from the gate to the site itself. However, the ground is hilly and quite uneven. Please be aware that the field can potentially be used for livestock; if so, take care not to bother the animals. As you have crossed the centre of the field, the site will become clearly visible
For a guide to the accessibility of Broogh Fort please click HERE