About us
Lyz and Kev Howard welcome you to Creglea Barns. Creglea Farm is where Lyz was born, and grew up. It's a working farm, so don't be surprised to see and hear sheep and cows in various fields on the farm. Whilst farming life is always busy, lambing time (March/April) is our busiest time. We often house those sheep and lambs that require close observation and support in the barn next to Curlew Cottage. If you are staying with us at lambing time, you are welcome to participate in feeding the lambs and sheep in our close observation unit.
During World War 2, the farmhouse, where we live onsite, became the Defence Guard Officers' Mess and the barns adapted as the Institute. Both Curlew and Oyster Catcher cottages were part of the RAF Dalby site, used in WW2 as the NAAFI Kitchen and NAAFI Staff Quarters for those working in the receiving blocks (bunkers that are still located on the farm). These formed a passive defence system that used steel-guyed transmitting masts and a pair of timber receiving towers, situated on the land by the sea, to to create maximum dispersal and deception.
Now semi-retired, we work the farm with in partnership with Lyz's brother and nephew, letting Curlew and Oyster Catcher Cottages, working the polytunnel and keeping busy with children and grandchildren.
Short Breaks are available all year round, (exluding TT & Christmas) and you can check in on any day of the week subject to availability. You will experience a relaxing 'home from home' feeling in both of our contemporary farmstay cottages.
There is a private garden space which includes WIFI, a BBQ area, seating area, cabin with TV, sofa, chairs, a fridge, and hot tub that is available for booking for a fee on a day-by-day basis for those who would like exclusive access.
How we started
Lyz and Kev’s journey with Creglea Barns began with a simple yet powerful desire—to share the breathtaking beauty they wake up to every day. Nestled in the stunning coastal landscape of Niarbyl, the barns were once traditional farm buildings that they lovingly transformed into a welcoming retreat. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and endless sea views, they found themselves captivated by the ever-changing light, the shifting tides, and the tranquility of this special place. Wanting others to experience the magic of Niarbyl for themselves, they opened Creglea Barns as a haven where guests can immerse themselves in the natural wonder, peace, and charm of the Isle of Man’s rugged coastline.
Our team
Kev and I work as the Creglea Barns Team. We have three dogs, Ellie, a 9 year old Working Cocker Spaniel (in pic), Faie, a 5 month old Golden Retriever (very soft and squishy at the moment) and Pepper - well Pepper is a mix between Tibettan Terrier and Poodle (we'll leave the remainder of his description there!).
On our doorstep
At Niarbyl Bay, you will find not only spectacular views of the Niarbyl Bay Rocks (tail of the rocks), the south of the Island, the Calf of Man, and amazing sunsets. You will find a significant geological fault, which represents the only remnant of the Labetus Ocean, which once separated the continents of Luarentia - the Dalby Group (of which Scotland and North America form part) and Gondwana (of which southern England and Africa form part).
Fishing
Pollack, ballan wrasse, cuckoo wrasse, mackerel, and conger eels.
You will need to keep an eye of the tides if you fish on the Niarbyl Rocks because they are cut-off at mid to high tide.
Local Folklore
Gef the Mongoose lived on our land at Doarlish Cashin where once stood a farmhouse which housed the farmer James Irving, his wife Margaret and their daughter Voirrey. In the 1930s, the Irving Family claimed that Gef the Mongoose spoke with them, copied their conversations and they eventually befriended him. Gef and the Irving Family rose to international fame and the Family's ability to converse with Gef captured the attention of those who believed in spiritualism and they visited Doarlish Cashin to find out more about the ghostly mongoose and world-wide attention Gef and the Irving Family had gained.
To read more about Gef and the Irving Family, click on this link to read a report by the National Geographic and decide for yourself how real Gef truly was!
In 2023, a comedy film staring Simon Pegg, Minnie Driver and the voice of Neil Gaiman as Gef, called Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose was released.
Getting around
We're based on the west coast of the Island. Whilst there are buses that service this area, they are less frequent than others. It's ideal to have your own vehicle or bike to get around.
Steam Railways operate between Douglas and Port Erin, taking in the spectacular scenery along the southeast and south coast of the Island.
The Manx Electric Railway operates from mid-March to early November. The route spans the northeast coast of the Island, between Douglas and Ramsey. At Laxey, about half-way along the route, you can ascend to Snaefell (the only 'mountain') by electric tram.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway operates between Derby Castle at the north end of Douglas Promendae and terminates at Broadway, which is approximately half-way along the 3-mile promenade.
Our location - Creglea Farm, Niarbyl Road, IM5 3BS
neighborhood