News

Manx National Heritage and the new millennium

Chairman of MNH, Martin Moore explained: New Publications detailing the work of MNH

The detailed colour publications review Manx National Heritage’s major achievements on behalf of the Manx community in recent years.

Since the new millennium, MNH has welcomed over three and a half million visitors to the Story of Mann Heritage sites around the Island, with visitor figures rising from 360,000 in 2001 to 489,000 in 2007 – a rise of over 35%. The new publications detail MNH’s work during this period of significant visitor growth including the organisation’s engagement in a wide range of community projects and programmes supporting both residents and visitors increasing desire to further understand the importance of the Island’s unique heritage legacy.

The publications acknowledge the invaluable practical and financial support of Government, Tynwald and of the Manx people including over 6,000 members of the Friends of Manx National Heritage who between them make much of this work possible.”

Specific highlights include:

1. Manx National Heritage welcomed over three and a half million visitors to the Story of Mann Heritage sites around the Island between 2000 and 2007.

2. Visitor figures rose from 360,000 in 2001 to 489,000 in 2007 – a rise of over 35% (despite falls in tourist numbers to the Island, MNH has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers each year in the new millennium)

3. Four historic national heritage sites were saved for the nation, including key historic properties and two of the most scenic parts of the Island:

• Rushen Abbey (opened 2000) – the Island’s most important religious site.

• The Old House of Keys (opened 2002) – a major national heritage site

• The Sound (opened 2002)

• Niarbyl (opened 2005)

The latter two developments have created thriving new businesses for the local community and provided two additional all-year-round facilities for the Island. Check it out.