ST JOHN'S & TYNWALD HILL Just outside Peel you’ll find the iconic Tynwald Hill at St John’s, the ancient meeting place of the Manx parliamentary assembly. No visitor to the Isle of Man in early July should miss the Tynwald Day ceremony, part of the Manx National Week celebrations. Held on the hill annually on July 5th, since 1417, the event sees the proclamation of all laws passed by the Island's parliament over the course of the previous year, read in both Manx and English.
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Thousands of spectators travel to St John's to watch the ceremony, procession and attend the accompanying fair, market and free concerts. Even if you can't be there for Tynwald Day, be sure to visit the historic site and its Millennium Stone, erected from stones collected from the Island's parishes to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Tynwald in 1979. Directly opposite the hill is the Tynwald Inn, marking the start and finish line of the old 15 mile St John's TT Race Course, with a welcoming fire it’s the perfect stop off for a glass of fine wine or a pint of Manx ale. A short walk away is Tynwald Mills, a shopping centre housed in a historic mill, it’s also a venue for fashion shows and farmers markets throughout the year.
Extra Sensory A little way out of Castletown is Ballasalla, a cultural gem that is often missed, home to Rushen Abbey originally a home for monks of the Sauvignac Order. manxnationalheritage.im
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Castletown & Castle Rushen In the South lies Castletown, the Island’s ancient capital, where you'll find Castle Rushen, one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world. This former royal residence was built on the site of an earlier 13th century Viking stronghold. Climb the winding staircases for the best views. Also of note in Castletown is the Old House of Keys, where you can join a debate. At the Nautical Museum you can uncover the story of the inventive George Quayle and his most significant surviving creation, Peggy, the earliest known example of a British armed yacht. Find out what excavations revealed about nautical life in Castletown and the exploits and ingenuity of George Quayle, who designed his own cabin room and private dock. Hear about the work we are doing to conserve Peggy to ensure she survives her third century.