The Ayres National Nature Reserve and Area of Special Scientific Interest is an important stretch of low-lying sand dune coastline, great for walking and bird watching.
The Discovery Centre sits within the sand dunes, an area which stretches 8 kilometres from Cronk-y-Bing to the Point of Ayre.
The Nature Discovery Centre, run by Manx Wildlife Trust volunteers tells visitors about the vulnerable area and provides information about its birds, habitats and rare plant communities. A short film beautifully illustrating some of the natural highlights of the surrounding area can be viewed in the Centre.
Leading from the shingle beach, there are 3 marked trails that wind through the marram dunes and onto the expanse of heath with its extensive lichen flora. A wooden platform is available to enhance viewing along the coastline and out to sea. There are plenty of birds to watch including diving gannets, if you're lucky. You might even spot an occasional seal.
The beach provides a great walk too.
There are three trails which all begin at the Visitor Centre and vary depending on their length and terrain.
The Ayres to The Smeale Coastal Area is a British Isles Dark Sky Discovery sites complete with an interpretation board to allow visitors to enjoy the stunning stargazing opportunities.
The Island is ideally placed to see the magnificent sight of the Northern Lights on many occasions. The Northern lights are normally only seen from Northerly locations such as Alaska, Norway and Iceland, however the crystal clear Northern horizon from the Islands North eastern coast means this fascinating phenomenon can often be seen from the Island. The Manx Night sky is an amazing experience that will astound even the most experienced stargazer.
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Point of Ayre Lighthouse was established in 1818 and engineered by Robert Stevenson.
The lighthouse tower was 70ft high and a circular design. The actual date when the light was first exhibited cannot be accurately fixed, but it is known to have been between December 1818 and February 1819. Around 70 years later an additional small tower was built 250 yards seaward from the main tower. Due to continuous gravel build-up, this tower moved a further 250 feet seaward in 1951, and now stands out on the gravel bank. This small light is known as The Winkie.
In favourable wind conditions, the fog horn could be heard at the Mull of Galloway, 26 miles away. Powered by Kelvin engines, the siren used an intermittent escape of compressed air through a shutter to give a periodic blast from the large horns facing seawards.
The name Point of Ayre comes from Norse, Eyrr, gravelly beach, or Eriball, and Ayre Point of Raasay.
Point of Ayre lighthouse was automated in 1993. In 2010, the three General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the UK and Ireland issued a consultation document following a joint review of Aids to Navigation of the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Review addressed the current and future requirements of national and international shipping and those of Mariners. Each Aid to Navigation - light, buoy or beacon - was studied in isolation, as well as in relation to the other Aids to Navigation in its vicinity. As a result of this review it was agreed to discontinue the minor light at the Point of Ayre, known as The Winkie. This light was therefore permanently discontinued with effect from 7 April 2010.
www.nlb.org.uk...
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