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Castles & Historic Sites

Dating back long before 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 on 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 site of 12 burial chambers at Meayll Hill or view the largest Neolithic tomb in the British Isles at Cashtal Yn Ard.

Balladoole is also a significant landmark on the Island – in 1945 a 10th century Viking boat burial was discovered along with the bodies of two adults. 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 ancient capital of the Island, Castletown, a striking fortress was once home to the Kings and Lords of Mann. Originally built for a Norse king in 1265, 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 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 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!

Number of results: 18

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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 most preserved medieval castles in Europe. Opening times, facilities and attractions in Castletown.

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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, take your seat in the finely restored debating chamber for a theatrical debate on setting the Island laws.

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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 and don't miss panoramic views over Peel, seal and basking shark spotting.

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Manx National Heritage Library & Archive

Address

Manx Museum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, IM1 3LY

Telephone
01624 648047

enquiries@mnh.gov.im

Douglas

For over a century manuscripts, maps and plans, photographs, prints, film, sound and published works have been actively collected and preserved on behalf of the people of the Isle of Man.
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 which combines the best of Celtic and Viking tradition within a classic Manx church setting.
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 1134 to strawberry tea dancing and days of disco.
Meayll Hill

Address

Mull Road, Cregneash

Cregneash

Meayll Circle stands near to the summit of Meayll Hill overlooking the south of the Island and provides evidence of occupation from Neolithic to Medieval times.
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 unique art, history and culture that are housed within this church.
Balladoole Historic Monument Site

Address

Bay Ny Carrickey, Balladoole

Balladoole

Balladoole, near to Castletown, is one of the most significant historic monument sites on the Isle of Man.
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…
Gaiety Theatre

Address

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

Telephone
01624 694500

enquiries@villamarina.gov.im

Douglas

The Gaiety Theatre is the jewel in the Manx Heritage crown. Presenting a year round programme of entertainment, theater, film, arts and music, you'll be sure to find something entertaining to watch during your time on the Island.
King Orry's Grave

Address

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

Laxey

King Orry's Grave is the largest known Megalithic tomb on the island and tells the story of the legendary King Godred 'Orry' Crovan, a Norse-Gaelic ruler who founded the Kingdom of Mann.
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…
St Luke's Church & Old Tynwald

Address

Brandywell Road, Baldwin, IM4 5EZ

Baldwin

Full of legends and heritage, St Luke's Church and the site of Old Tynwald can be found in the centre of the Manx countryside in the Baldwin Valley, one of the most perfect settings on the island.
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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