Fairy Bridge, Road bridge in Santon, Isle of Man.
Fairy Bridge is a small stone bridge over the Santon Burn on the A5 Port Erin to Douglas road, at the boundary between Santon and Malew. A white sign with a red crest and black capital letters reading "FAIRY BRIDGE" stands on a low stone wall partly covered by ivy at the left edge of the road.
The bridge was built as part of the main route from Douglas to Port Erin and marks the boundary between the parishes of Santon and Malew. This dual role as both a traffic crossing and administrative boundary has defined its place on the island since construction.
The Manx name Ballalona means "Glen Farm". The beings greeted here are the Mooinjer Veggey, the "Little People", who were never called fairies by the Manx. Buses announce "Hello Fairies" before crossing, and notes are tied to the trees beside the bridge.
The bridge is accessible via the A5 road heading toward Ballasalla from Douglas, with limited parking available along the roadside. Visiting is easiest by car or by using the regular bus services that travel this route.
The bridge is not the only one of its name: old Ordnance Survey maps mark a "Real" Fairy Bridge in Braddan parish, across the Middle River near the footpath from Oakhill to Kewaigue. The A5 crossing on the Santon-Malew boundary is the one buses and TT riders greet.
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