Tynwald Sites
Other Isle of Man visitor sites linked to Tynwald
As the oldest continuous parliament in the world, there are many links to Tynwald all over the Isle of Man. Here are our top recommendations for places to visit to learn more about our parliament.
Tynwald Hill at St. John's
The formal Tynwald Ceremony is usually held on Tynwald Day the 5th July. Tynwald Hill in St. John's is the centre of attention as the new laws are proclaimed and public petitions are presented. The rest of the year Tynwald Hill is open to the public.
The site is thought to have been established by Norse Viking settlers in the 13th century, and it is part of a network of Thing sites—a term from Old Norse þing, referring to early Viking assemblies used for governance and dispute resolution. The annual meeting held at Tynwald Hill in St John’s would have been the “all-Island” meeting – smaller local groups would have met elsewhere throughout the year (see other Viking assembly sites below). Tynwald Hill in St. John's is believed to be constructed using soil from each of the island’s 17 ancient parishes, symbolising unity and representation.
Cooil y Ree
Cooil y Ree - Cooill y Ree - translates as Nook of the King and is a parkland created to inspire the history of the Isle of Man from its early cultures to the 21st Century, and looking forward into the future. The Avenue of Time is the main axis through the park, with planting and cultivation symbolising centuries gone by.
The Avenue which starts at St. John's Church leads to Tynwald Hill representing the 1st Millennium and meets the Cooil-y-Ree Gardens at the viewing platform.
Culture Vannin
Opposite Tynwald Hill in St John's on the main road is Fairfield House home to Culture Vannin. There are small exhibitions on Tynwald and Manx culture at the cultural centre including an excellent representation of Tynwald Day and Tynwald Hill made of Lego!
The team welcome visitors between the opening hours of 9.30am-4.30pm weekdays (until 4pm during the winter months). Free admission. Click here for more visitor information.
Old House of Keys
The former home of the Manx Parliament and centre of 19th Century political life on the Isle of Man the Old House of Keys is managed by Manx National Heritage. Animated portraits of Keys members and a simulated model of Mr Speaker bring the debating chamber to life whilst the Secretary of the House welcomes you to join in the debates on law setting in this participatory experience.
You can visit the Old House of Keys as part of a historic tour of Castletown on Wednesdays and Saturdays or take part in our Old House of Keys Public Sitting on Saturdays from 1.45pm. Click here for more information.
Manx Museum
In walking distance from Legislative Buildings, the Manx Museum is free to visit and will take you on a journey through the Island’s 10,000 year history, including the story of Tynwald.
Click here for more visitor information.
Other Viking assembly sites
There are other known Viking assembly sites on the Isle of Man at Castle Rushen, Kirk Michael and Keeill Abban.