Rushen Abbey

The village of Ballasalla (Balley Sallagh) named from Gaelic 'Place of the Willow Tree' is largely built from the remains of Rushen Abbey which was built in the 1100's. Ballasalla has close ties with Castletown and is near to Ronaldsway Airport, built between Ballasalla and Castletown. Ronaldsway was named after the medieval King Reginald of Mann by the Norse.

Rushen Abbey was founded in 1134 by Monks of the Sauvignac Order from Furness Abbey in Cumbria on land granted to them by King Olaf I. In 1147 the order came into Cistercian control and by 1257 the Abbey Church was completed. The location of the Abbey was selected due to its close proximity to Castle Rushen, which is nearly two miles away in the town of Castletown.

The abbey is preserved by Manx National Heritage and has a building containing artefacts which tells the history of Rushen Abbey and the surrounding area. The remains of the original abbey have had some restoration undertaken and walkways allow visitors to get a close view of the site. The abbey is open between April and October and there is an admission fee. Prior to accessing the abbey gardens, visitors walk through a museum that explains the role of the abbey. There is interactive, audio and video material available.

We travelled to Ballasalla by Steam Train from Douglas, arriving at the small well-tended station with hanging flower baskets and a friendly station master. The walk to the Abbey in bright sunshine took about ten minutes. When we returned to the station two trains arrived, one coming from the south and the other from the north. It really was like being transported back in time as the two trains steamed past each other. We boarded the southern bound train and made our way to the next stop on our journey, Castletown.

Getting there

Ballasalla can be reached by Steam Railway on the Line between Port Erin and Douglas. The village is on the A5 and accessed by main bus routes. By car take the A5 southwest from Douglas. Once in the village turn right at the first roundabout and left at the second and follow the signposts.