Camping
There are a number of registered campsites around the Isle of Man.
Informal seasonal camping is also permitted at 2 venues managed by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture:
Sulby Claddagh
The Sulby Claddagh is not a registered campsite, but informal camping is allowed Easter Weekend and then from 1 May to 30 September. Basic facilities are provided onsite including toilets, but there are no showers.
You will need a camping permit to camp overnight at the Claddagh.
Permits are £15 and you should apply for one well in advance of your visit as permits will not normally be issued on site. Permits may only be obtained by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over.
Permits are valid for a season – Easter Weekend, and then from 1 May to 30 September. Camping on the Claddagh is not permitted outside this period.
A permit allows the holder to pitch a camping unit (motorhome, tent, campervan, caravan, trailer tent, etc) staying for up to a maximum of 14 nights at a time. Your permit must be clearly displayed at all times when camping overnight. Units must be in continuous occupation.
A permit also covers 'pup' tents associated with a family from the same household.
A permit does not reserve a pitch at Sulby Claddagh. Pitches are available on a first come first served basis so space can never be guaranteed. Community events held on the Claddaghs may further restrict space for camping on certain occasions.
Toilet facilities are open during the camping season only.
Camping permits are non-transferrable.
A frequently asked questions sheet can be found on the reverse of the downloadable application form.
Sulby Claddagh byelaws and site rules
The Department asks that campers comply with the Sulby Claddagh Byelaws; a summary of which is as follows:
- Tents, caravans etc must be at least 6 metres apart
- No fires permitted. Barbecues* etc must be raised off the ground sufficient to protect it from damage
- *Charcoal or gas/paraffin only, no other fuel permitted
- No vehicles on Claddagh other than for access for example no riding or driving around
- No camping on the riverside and recreation areas (except during TT and Grand Prix fortnights)
- No loud music at any time
- No music or generators after 10:30pm or before 7:30am
- No violent, quarrelsome or disorderly behaviour
- No profane, obscene or threatening language
- No fouling, dogs must be kept under control
- All litter to be taken away or disposed of in the bins provided
- Camping units must not be left unocupied overnight.
Penalty - a fine not exceeding £2500.
The Ayres National Nature Reserve (NNR)
Motorhomes are permitted to overnight stay in the Recreation Area at Smeale only (see attached map) and for a maximum of three consecutive nights; motorhome owners must display an ‘Authorisation for overnight stay’ in their windscreen. Authorisations are available from DEFA by phoning 01624 685835 or the Warden on 07624 365131, or by emailing ecopolicy@gov.im. No toilet facilities are available at Smeale. The Ayres NNR is a quiet and tranquil place, designated for its special wildlife and habitats; please enjoy and respect this very special area.
The Ayres NNR Byelaws
- No overnight without an authorisation
- No tents
- No fires
- Barbeques must be raised off the ground
- Dogs must be on leads from the 1st April to the 31st July and kept under close control at all other times
- Dog fouling must be removed from the land
- All rubbish must be taken away
- Chemical toilets must not be emptied on the NNR
- No loud music or nuisance behaviour
- Wildlife must not be disturbed
For further information about the Nature Reserve please see The Ayres National Nature Reserve webpage.
