Castletown (in Manx: Balley Chashtal) is a city of the Isle of Man, a crown dependency of the United Kingdom in the Irish Sea.
Understand
Castletown was the capital of the Isle of Man until 1869.
Get in
By plane
- 1 Isle of Man Airport (IOM IATA Ronaldsway Airport). The main civilian airport on the Isle of Man, it is near Castletown and has daily flights from many airports in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
By train
By bus
Regular buses from Douglas via Port St Mary and Port Erin (route numbers 1, 2, 11 and 12) and occasional buses from Peel (service No. 8)
Get around
See
Landmarks
- 1 [formerly dead link]Rushen Castle (Cashtal Rosien). A beautifully restored 16th-century castle. The impressive fortress of was once home to the Kings and Lords of Mann. It was built for a Norse king in 1265, and was developed by successive rulers between the 13th and 16th centuries. During its time it was used as a fortress, royal residence, a mint and even a prison. Adult £6, child £3.
- 2 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 9 Hope St, ☏ 44 1624 82 22 72. A very plain but pleasant small 19th-century church.
Museums
- 3 Nautical Museum, Bridge Street. The main focus of the museum is Peggy of Castletown, an 18th-century yacht.
- 4 Old Grammar School, ☏ 44 1624 648017. A history museum in a very old building. Open seasonally.
- 5 [formerly dead link]The Old House of Keys (in Manx: Shenn-thie y Chiare as Feed), IM9 1LA. This building was used by the House of Keys, the lower house of Tynwald, until 1874, when the parliament was moved to Douglas.
- 6 Manx Aviation and Military Museum. A museum dedicated to the aviation and military history next to Ronaldsway Airport.
- 7 Museum of the Manx Regiment (next to the Manx Aviation and Military Museum). This small building houses an exhibition dedicated to the 15th (Isle of Man) Light Anti Aircraft Regiment.
Do
Buy
Eat
There are many cafes, restaurants and pubs in Castletown, serving anything from a takeaway sandwich to a three-course, five-star meal.
- 1 Curry Club Indian Restaurant, 20 Arbory St, Castletown, IM9 1LJ, ☏ 44 1624 822226, ✉[email protected].
Drink
There are many places to drink in Castletown, from typical British pubs to cocktail and wine bars.
Sleep
There are a few bed and breakfasts in Castletown
- 1 The George Hotel, The Parade, ☏ 44 1624 822533.
Book ahead especially in the TT Season when rooms will be at a premium.
Stay safe
The Isle of Man is largely a very safe place but petty crime does occur, and as with any destination, tourists should always be on their guard.
Go next
- Douglas – Largest town and current capital of the Isle of Man.
- Port St Mary