reen hills rising majestically out of clear blue waters - the Isle of Man is a sleepy haven of peace and tranquillity formed long before history was recorded. The early Manx Celts had a strong affinity with the Irish, and legend has it that the island's magical sea god, Manannan Mac Lir (Manannan, Son of the Sea), would rise from the waves to protect the Manx people from invasion. When danger threatens, he throws a mantle of mist over the Island to make it disappear… and he still uses this tactic on occasion! The early Viking, Celtic and maritime history of the Isle of Man is celebrated in the newest heritage attraction - the House of Manannan, which opened in 1997 at Peel, on the west coast. A short drive from Douglas (11 miles coast to coast), the centre presents the island's history in a revolutionary format using the latest display techniques.

A wealth of Celtic crosses and early Christian keeils (chapels) can be seen around the island, with the major collections brought together in the churches of the parishes where they were found. Strong Celtic traditions also survive along with a folklore rich with stories of encounters between mortals and fairies - the Little People - believed to shelter in the caves and glens.

One of the quaint customs which has been maintained is the necessity to greet the Little People at Fairy Bridge, on the main road between Douglas and the airport - also on route to the wonderfully intact medieval fortress Castle Rushen, in Castletown.

The Manx Gaelic name for Isle of Man is Ellan Vannin. However, it's the Viking influence which is credited with naming the Isle of Man - it was called Mon or Maon in the Scandinavian Sagas, a word derived from the Gaelic meaning hilly or moutainous. Today the Isle of Man boasts many attractions which have been appreciated by the tourists who have visited the Isle of Man for over a century. Much of the island's history is drawn together in the award-winning Manx Museum, in Douglas. There is no admission charge to the museum which boasts a cinema showing The Story of Mann- a 20-minute introductory film to the island's history - as well as a Manx gift shop and café. Visitors are made welcome from the moment they step ashore at Douglas, with a Tourist Information Centre located in the Sea Terminal building to answer any queries or advise the various attractions.