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Castles & Historic Sites

Dating back to the end of the last Ice Age the Isle of Man has a unique and varied history that has been shaped by those that made the Island their home.

Take time to explore the Island’s history during your visit by journeying around some of the most important ancient monuments and castles in the Manx landscape.

You’ll find burial grounds and Neolithic chambered tombs along your way as well as the largest collection of Celtic and Norse crosses produced between the 6th and 13th centuries.

Explore the unique site of 12 burial chambers at Meayll Hill or view an impressive Neolithic tomb at Cashtal Yn Ard.

Balladoole is also a significant landmark on the Island where there is a Bronze Age burial, an Iron Age hillfort, an early Christian chapel and a 10th century Viking boat burial. The ancient sites are a fascinating way to learn about the Isle of Man’s colourful past.

Your trip to the Island won’t be complete without a visit to the impressive ancient castles that dominate the Manx landscape.

Located in the old capital of the Island, Castletown, a striking limestone fortress was once home of the Kings and Lords of Mann. Started in the late 12^th century, Castle Rushen has been used as a fortress, royal residence, a mint and even a prison. Inside the castle, you’ll be able to indulge in its history and hear from some of its former inhabitants.

On the west of the Island, Peel Castle stands proud on St Patrick’s Isle. Originally a place of worship, the castle became the fort of Magnus Barefoot – an 11th century Viking King of Mann. You’ll have the opportunity to stroll around the castle’s extensive grounds and climb to the top of the Gatehouse Tower where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Peel.

Make sure you look out for the Moddey Dhoo – a ghostly black dog which is said to haunt the castle!

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Gaiety Theatre

Address

Harris Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2HJ

Telephone
+441624694500

enquiries@villamarina.gov.im

Douglas

The Gaiety Theatre is the jewel in the Manx Heritage crown. Presenting a year-round programme of entertainment including plays and musicals, you'll be sure to find something entertaining to watch during your time on the Island.

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The Old House of Keys

Address

Parliament Square, Castletown, IM9 1LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 822306

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Castletown

Be greeted by the secretary of the former home of the Manx Parliament, and take your seat in the finely restored chamber for a theatrical debate on setting the Island's laws, a debate in which you can vote.

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Peel Castle

Address

Peel, IM5 1TB

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 648090

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Peel

Visit Peel Castle, the ancient Vikings’ home. Enjoy panoramic views over Peel and spot seals and basking sharks.

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Castle Rushen

Address

Castle Street, Castletown, IM9 1LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 827413

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Castletown

Discover one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe.

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Manx National Heritage Library & Archive

Address

Manx Museum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, IM1 3LY

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 648047

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Douglas

The Island’s main museum featuring an orientation film, superb displays, and the Island’s main document and digital archives.
Meayll Hill

Address

Mull Road, Cregneash

Cregneash

Meayll Hill features a magnificent Neolithic chambered tomb as well as some more modern remains – that of a World War II radar station.
Snaefell Wheel and Washing Floors

Address

Laxey Valley Gardens, Laxey, IM4 7NH

Telephone
07624 262404

minerailway@manx.net

Laxey

The "Washing Floors" were built in 1848 and situated in the area now known as the Valley Gardens, where the Great Laxey Mine Railway has its terminus. Nearly three hundred people worked on the Washing Floors in the 1870s, including a number of…
Jurby Church

Address

Church Rd, Jurby West, IM7 3AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 898003

kerrison@iom.com

Jurby West

The landmark Jurby Church was built on an ancient site dating back thousands of years. A burial mound in the churchyard and the Manx Crosses in the porch illustrate the site's rich Viking heritage.
Rushen Abbey

Address

Mill Road, Ballasalla, IM9 3DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 823048

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Ballasalla

Rushen Abbey was gifted by King Olaf I for use as a monastery in 1134. The visitor centre tells the Abbey's story from the 12th century right up to the tea dances and days of disco in the 20th century.
Kirk Maughold Church

Address

Maughold Road, Maughold, IM7 1AS

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 812275

Maughold

Visit Kirk Maughold for a spiritual experience in this ancient and tranquil setting and see the large collection of early carved stone crosses.
St Thomas' Church

Address

Finch Road, Douglas, IM1 2PL

Telephone
+44 (0)1624 677711

mfaragher@manx.net

Douglas

Visit St Thomas' Church in central Douglas and discover the superb Victorian murals which depict the story of Christianity.
Cashtal yn Ard

Address

Dhoon Quarry Road, Maughold

Maughold

Cashtal yn Ard, or the Castle of the Heights, is an exceptional example of a Neolithic chambered long cairn, with dramatic views over the surrounding landscape.
Kirk Malew Church

Address

Crossag Road, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 3EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624822469

vicar@malewandsantan.im

Ballasalla

The beautiful Kirk Malew Church is a traditional Manx church that still retains the original designs of the churches of old. Previously the parish church for the old Manx capital, it now contains a fine selection of memorials and ancient Celtic…
King Orry's Grave

Address

Ballaragh Road, Laxey, Isle of Man, IM4 7PE

Laxey

King Orry's Grave is the most complete of the Island’s megaliths and is a superb example of a Neolithic Chambered tomb.
Cathedral Isle of Man

Address

Derby Road, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 844830

info@cathedral.im

Peel

Visit Cathedral Isle of Man in Peel to discover the history of the Isle of Man through the mediums of religion, art and culture, or stop to have a quiet moment of contemplation in the beautiful Cathedral Gardens.

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