Cronk ny Merriu

Cronk ny Merriu is a coastal promontory fort with defensive ditch and rampart. It is believed to have been built in the Celtic Iron Age and then later re-occupied during the Norse Period. Also on the site are the remains of a homestead, which appears to have consisted of a rectangular building with three doorways and a Norse central hearth.

Our visit

We visited Cronk ny Merriu early on a fine July morning. There was hardly any wind and the deep blue sea was gently lapping onto the shingle beach of Port Grenaugh below. The place was so tranquil and peaceful that it was difficult to leave. The only person we met was a lone runner making his way along the coastal path. A visit is highly recommended and along with all of these sites it really is beneficial to take your time and soak up the history and scenery.

Getting here

Cronk ny Merriu is in the south of the Island near Santon, overlooking Port Grenaugh.

• By car - From the Broogh Fort, return to the B37 and turn right until you reach the A5. Then turn right until the B26 at Santon and continue until the A25, then left and first right takes you to the B25 to Port Grenaugh. Alternatively, from Douglas take the A25 around Santon to the B25 leading to the coast and the site.
• By bus - Take buses from Douglas, Castletown, Port Erin or Port St. Mary to Ballachurry and then walk along the B26 to the B25 and on to the coast.