Castletown & Surrounds

Castletown was originally the capital of the Isle of Man. The increasing tourist trade required a larger port and in 1869 the honour of capital town passed to Douglas.

Castle Rushen is a fantastically well-preserved example of a medieval castle and is open from Easter to October every day. The village also holds the site of the old Manx Parliament, the House of Keys. This offers a highly entertaining tour of the restored building. The main lure to the tourist in terms of religious importance is the medieval Rushen Abbey; the remains and their history are explained well in the interpretation centre.

If its picturesque walks your after the Silverburn Trail which follows a path from Castletown to Rushen Abbeyand is particularly pleasant. The walk that crosses the 14th century Monks' Bridge also has a lovely aspect.