Balladoole, Archaeological site near Castletown, Isle of Man
Balladoole is an archaeological site near Castletown on the Isle of Man located on a hilltop with burial mounds and structural ruins. The place overlooks the southern coastline and contains remains of graves and ancient buildings spanning different periods.
The site was used by different peoples starting with Christian burials, then later by Norse groups who added their own graves on top. These layers reveal a long history of repeated use and reuse across different populations.
The site shows how different groups left their mark on this hilltop over centuries. Visitors walking around can sense the layers of belief and practice that shaped the burials and structures here.
Access is on foot via a path from Poyllvaaish Road and is possible year-round. There is parking available at the entrance for a few vehicles.
Excavations revealed a rare discovery: a Viking ship burial placed directly above an earlier Christian cemetery. This shows how the same spot was used and reused by different groups across generations.
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