Laxey

Laxey is a village on the east coast of the Isle of Man. Its name derives from the Old Norse Laxa meaning 'Salmon River'. Its key distinguishing features are its three working vintage railways, having the largest working waterwheel in the world, and being set in a partly wooded valley.The village lies on the A2, the main Douglas to Ramsey road, and on the vintage Manx Electric Railway, and Snaefell Mountain Railway. Laxey Glen is one of the Manx National Glens, with Dhoon Glen being located close by. The Raad ny Foillan long distance coastal footpath, opened in 1986, runs along the coast through the village.Village historyIn the 19th century, mining for lead and zinc began, becoming the largest industry the village has had. The Great Laxey Mines were the deepest in the world in the 19th century. Mining in Laxey came to an end 75 years later in 1929. The village also had a fishing industry.In the late 1800s the Manx Electric Railway line was built through the village, opening it up to tourists. Various other attractions were built at that time, such as Snaefell Mountain Railway and the Laxey Glen Pleasure Gardens.Laxey village is now a mainly residential and a tourist area. There are several public gardens, primarily Laxey Glen Gardens. There is also a handweaving mill which sells its own products and many others. The village has five pubs and a microbrewery, The Old Laxey Brewing Company.