Cregneash Village Folk Museum

About the museum

Cregneash is a small crofting village in the far south of the Isle of Man, under Meayll Hill and facing the Calf of Man. It was one of the last strongholds of the Manx language and of the customs of the traditional crofting way of life, and Manx National Heritage describes it as the first open-air folk museum in the British Isles.

The village shows how crofters lived and worked in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Visitors can explore original thatched cottages and farm buildings, among them Harry Kelly's Cottage, Crebbin's Cottage, Church Farm, Ned Beg's Cottage, the Joiner's Workshop and Smithy and St Peter's Church. In several of the buildings costumed team members demonstrate crafts such as weaving and knitting.

The village remains a working centre for traditional farming and skills, with native Manx animals including Loaghtan sheep, shorthorn cows and Manx cats. Paths lead from the village to The Sound, where seals are often seen, to the Neolithic chambered cairn on Meayll Hill and to the Chasms rock formations. Cregneash is also one of the registered Dark Sky Discovery Sites on the island.

Highlights

• Harry Kelly's thatched cottage
• Costumed demonstrations of weaving, knitting and other crafts
• Ned Beg's Cottage with Manx language and garden views to the Calf of Man
• Loaghtan sheep, shorthorn cows and Manx cats
• Creg y Shee Tea Rooms in the heart of the village
• Walks to The Sound, Meayll Hill and the Chasms

Permanent exhibitions

• Harry Kelly's Cottage and the crofters' village – Original thatched cottages, a farmhouse, the joiner's workshop and the smithy show how Manx crofters lived and worked.
• Craft demonstrations and Manx farm animals – Costumed team members demonstrate weaving, knitting and other crafts, and visitors can meet Loaghtan sheep, shorthorn cows and Manx cats.

Founded

1938

Operated by

Manx National Heritage

Admission & discounts

Adults can add an optional £1.50 voluntary donation at entry. Free entry for Friends of Manx National Heritage members, GO Explore Heritage and GO Platinum Reserve pass holders and a person accompanying a disabled visitor. Holiday and Annual Passes are accepted; they are non-transferable and ID may be requested. Groups of 15 or more paying visitors booked seven days ahead receive a discount.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Much of the village can be reached by wheelchair and scooter on tarmac paths, but it is not flat, has moderately steep slopes and cobbled tracks, and many cottages have narrow doorways (about 56 to 70 cm). An accessible toilet with baby changing is at Quirk's Croft, the entrance desk has a hearing loop, and assistance dogs are welcome with a water bowl at the ticket office. There is one designated disabled bay in the village; the main car park is down a steep path (access guide 2024).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Free nature explorer backpacks can be borrowed from the Cummal Beg visitor centre, children can look for Manx cats and Loaghtan sheep and watch craft demonstrations, and picnic benches are dotted around the site. The site is accessible to buggies, although cottage doorways are narrow. Quirk's Croft has baby changing and a quiet comfort room.

Getting there & parking

The village is about 1.5 miles from both Port St Mary and Port Erin, at the top of Howe Road, and every approach on foot climbs a steep hill.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Creg y Shee Tea Rooms in the village centre (table service) and a small gift shop in the Cummal Beg visitor centre.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 20 guests.

Quirk's Croft, a converted cottage, can be hired for functions, training or meetings for up to 20 people; it has no Wi-Fi.

Plan your visit