To the west of the island, you’ll find Peel Castle, the Isle of Man’s other great fortress. Today you can climb the spiral stone staircase to the roof and enjoy panoramic views of Castletown. Once home to the Kings and Lords of Mann it’s been a fortress, royal residence, a mint and more recently a prison. CASTLESĪnother iconic site worth a visit is Castle Rushen, one of the world’s best-preserved 13th century castles. Meet the costumed secretary of this historic building and take a seat in the debating chamber to watch active debates on setting new Manx laws. A visit to this restored 1866 building will teach you about the development of democracy and effect political decisions had and continue to have on the Manx nation. One site not to be missed is the Old House of Keys in Castletown. It is believed the annual open air ceremony was established by Norse Viking settlers and still continues to this day. It dates back over 1,000 years and is celebrated once a year at Tynwald Hill, a four-tiered hill built in the 13th century that’s one of the island’s most distinctive landmarks and a sign of its independence as a self-governing crown dependency. Tynwald is the oldest continuous parliament in the world.
One of its more interesting attractions is the Steam Packet gallery, which charts the company’s historical relationship with the Isle of Man, including the important and dangerous role the ships and their largely Manx crews played during both world wars. On Peel quayside stands the House of Manannan, where you’ll discover what it was like living in a Viking longhouse or a Celtic roundhouse, join the crew of Odin’s Raven Viking longship, explore the sights and smells of 19th century Peel, including a Manx Kipper Yard, and much, much more.
The Isle of Man is steeped in myth and magic.