St Michael's Isle

St Michael’s Isle, often called Fort Island, is a small tidal island off Castletown on the Isle of Man that contains medieval chapel ruins and later defensive works. It is linked to the shore by a short causeway.

The isle’s primary attractions are the roofless remains of St Michael’s Chapel and the adjacent small fortification, which are compact and viewed in a short visit. The island is visited for its coastal views and its easy access from Castletown.

The chapel on the isle dates to the medieval period and the fortification beside it was constructed in the post-medieval era to control local approaches. Over time both structures fell into ruin but remain as visible masonry on the island.

The isle sits immediately off the south coast of the Isle of Man beside Castletown harbour and is reached on foot from the town across a short causeway at most tides.

• Access: Connected to the Castletown/Derbyhaven shoreline by a short causeway and tidal foot access, making it easy to reach on foot at most states of the tide.
• Local name: Known locally as "Fort Island" because of the surviving fort remains beside the chapel ruins.

What to See #

• St Michael's Chapel: A small ruined medieval chapel dating to the medieval period that gives the isle its English name.
• Fort on the isle: A small coastal fortification built in the post-medieval period and locally known as the fort or blockhouse.