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Castle Rushen Cashtal Rushen 

Open: May 25th - Nov 4th 2018: Daily, 10am - 5pm
Price: PRICES FOR 2018
Adult: £8
Child (aged 5-15): £4
Disabled: Limited Access with lots of stairs;
Disabled Toilet
Location: Castletown
Parking: Available
Sat Nav: IM9 1LD
Visiting Time: 1hr 30min

History

Castle Rushen is th best example in the British Isles of a medieval castle. The exact date which it was built is unknown, though is believed to be around 1200. The Castle served as the residence of the last Norse King of Man, who died in 1266. Part of the castle was destroyed in a siege by Robert the Bruce in 1313, but was rebuilt by Sir William de Montacute in around 1344.

The site consists of an outer wall, 25ft high and 7ft thick. Holding on to this wall are five towers, which once served as offices for the Receiver General, Clerk of the Rolls, and other officials. The inner wall of the keep is 12ft thick at the base moving up to 7ft near the top. The main northern tower is 80ft high and the other three are around 70ft high.

In the clock room, formally used as the castle chapel lies a clock presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, while she held the island in trust pending a dispute. The clock is of simple construction with only one hand, but still keeps very good time.

Location

In the town centre of Castletown in the south of the Island.

By Vehicle:
Castletown is a main southern town, served by a multitude of roads. Just follow the road signs.

By Bus:
Plan your journey with our Bus and Rail Timetables.

By Railway:
Castletown can be reached by the taking the Electric Railway to Douglas and then the Steam Railway to Castletown.
Castletown can be reached on the Steam Railway from Douglas going to Port Erin or by taking the Port Erin (Port St Mary) train going to Douglas.

The Site

  • Film Presentation
  • Castle with period rooms
  • Mini Museum
  • View working clock from the late 1500's
  • Walk along the Curtain Wall
  • Open courtyard
  • Heritage Shop

  • Visiting Castle Rushen

    This well preserved castle is well worth visiting. See it from dungeon to clock tower. Many of the rooms have been done up to reflect different time periods in the history of the castle. From times when it was home to kings to its use as official offices and even a prison.

    After passing through the entrance area. There is a large courtyard area with wooden buildings, stocks, and canons. The stairs to walk around the curtain wall are also from this area, as is the entrance into the castle. There is a film presentation before walking around the castle. Be prepared for a lot of steps and most of them rather narrow spirals staircases. There is no guided tour, but the route is clearly marked and there are guides along the way to answer questions or point out where to go next. All the rooms open for viewing have signs and most have audio effects, furniture, etc to assist in the recreation.


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    Publications
    Cronica Regum Mannie et Insularum: Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles BL Cotton Julius A vii
    Manx National Heritage, Paperback, August, 1996
    ISBN: 0901106364
    List Price: £8.95
    New Price: £10.94
    Buy Now More Info
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