Castletown

Castletown was the seat of government until 1869, and the town is still arranged around Castle Rushen, the limestone fortress at its centre, with the harbour beside it and the market square in front. The Old House of Keys, where the island's parliament sat, stands on the square and is open with a re-enactment of a sitting. The Old Grammar School, a thirteenth-century building, is the oldest roofed structure in the town.

History

Castletown, the former capital of the Isle of Man and the site of Tynwald, can trace its roots back to 1090, and the town of narrow streets and small fishing cottages grew up around Castle Rushen at its centre (Wikipedia, Castletown, Isle of Man).

What you'll find

• Castle Rushen - the limestone fortress at the centre of the town.
• The Old House of Keys - the former parliament chamber, open to visitors.
• The Old Grammar School - the thirteenth-century building on the square.
• The harbour - the small working port beside the castle.

When to go

April to October is when the heritage sites keep full hours. Winter opening is much reduced. The town is quiet outside the season.

Good to know

Several of the heritage buildings close entirely in winter. The town is small and half a day covers it. Parking near the square is limited.

Nearby

The Nautical Museum is in the town, and St Michael's Isle is southeast.

Key facts