Cronk ny Merriu, Iron Age promontory fort in Santon, Isle of Man
Cronk ny Merriu is a promontory fort on a headland near Santon on the Isle of Man. The structure consists of earth banks, a deep ditch, and a stone-reinforced rampart that overlooks Port Grenaugh below.
The site began as a Celtic Iron Age fortification and was later modified by Scandinavian settlers in the 8th and 9th centuries with additional defensive works. These changes show how different cultures used this location across different periods.
The fort sits on a headland where visitors can see how people positioned this defensive point to watch the waters below and the landscape around it.
You can reach the fort by following the coastal footpath that connects several ancient lookout points near Santon. The walk passes through an area with multiple archaeological sites worth exploring.
Excavations uncovered a rectangular building with three doorways and a central hearth that later inspired archaeologists to reconstruct similar structures in exhibits at the House of Manannan museum in Peel.
Location: Middle
GPS coordinates: 54.10260,-4.57520
Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:06
Castle Rushen
6 km
Fairy Bridge
1.9 km
Old House of Keys
6 km
Rushen Abbey
3.9 km
Manx Aviation and Military Museum
4.6 km
Hango Hill
5 km
Hango Broogh
3.6 km
Herring Tower, Langness
5.8 km
Port Grenaugh
260 m
Murray's Motorcycle Museum
1.9 km
New Pier Lighthouse
5.9 km
Irish Quay Lighthouse
5.9 km
Saint Sanctain
943 m
Derby Haven
3.9 km
Malew Parish Church
5 km
St Mary's Chapel/Old Grammar School
6 km
Saint Mary the Virgin
3.8 km
Saint Mary’s on the Harbour
6 km
Saint Mark
4.2 km
2 Parliament Square
6 km
Old School/House, St Mark's
4.2 km
The Old Lifeboat House, The Quay
6 km
Nautical Museum
5.9 km
Water Tower Ballasalla
3.6 km
Meary Veg
1.9 km
Santon Burn
2.2 km
Church Cottages, St Mark's
4.1 km
Royal British Legion Hall, Janet's Corner
5.2 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes