Old House of Keys - Manx Parliament : Manx National Heritage

Old House of Keys – Shenn Thie yn Chiare as Feed

About

Opened in 1821 this Georgian building holds the accolade as being the first purpose-built debating chamber on the Isle of Man for Members of the House of Keys. Some of the most fundamental and lasting debates around rights and freedom, freedom of the press, votes for women, took place during the 50 years the House of Keys sat in this building in Castletown. As well as passing laws that were to have long lasting cultural impacts for the Island, as in should motor racing be allowed on open roads. In 1874, the House of Keys moved to Douglas.

Participate as part of a pre-booked group in the former home of Manx Politics and the House of Keys (the Island’s parliament) from 1821 to 1874. The debating chamber, restored by Manx National Heritage to its 1866 interior, is where the Island’s most important political questions and reforms to its democracy were hotly debated. Take your seat in the chamber, hear the debates and have your say by voting on the topic of the day.

To visit the Old House of Keys, available as part of our Castletown Heritage Tour (Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am), or take part in our Old House of Keys Public Sitting (Saturdays from 1.45pm) you can book your tickets online or visit the Castle Rushen Shop

Opening Times

2026 Season: Friday 27th March – Sunday 1st November 2026

Sittings on Saturdays at 1.45pm and on selected days in the season – Booking essential

Admission

Book your Old House of Keys Sittings HERE where the Secretary of the House will welcome you to join in the debates on law setting in this participatory experience.

Join us on a tour of our Castletown Heritage Sites, meeting at the Old Grammar School followed by visiting the Old House of Keys and finishing at the Nautical Museum at either 12pm or 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season

For more information or to book your place please click HERE

Your admission:

All admission tickets for the Old House of Keys include the option to make a voluntary contribution of £1.50 to Manx National Heritage (Isle of Man registered charity no. 603). This donation directly supports the ongoing conservation and management of the Isle of Man’s most significant historic buildings, landscapes, archives and museum collections. Should you wish to opt out of this voluntary contribution, please inform a member of staff at the ticket desk at the time of purchase.
Some special events may incur an additional admission charge.
Student discount is available on production of a valid student card.
Group discounts are available to pre-booked group visitors of 15 or more paying visitors booked 7 days in advance. Find out more.
Holiday and Annual Passes – admission is only permitted on production of a valid card. Cards are valid for the named person and are not transferable. ID may also be requested. Free access is for 14 days from the first day of use on a Holiday Pass and 1 Year from first date of use on an Annual Pass for Isle of Man residents.
Free admission is available to children under 18 years of age, persons accompanying a disabled visitor and GO Explore Heritage pass holders.

Things to See and Do

Don’t miss:

Come as part of a group and receive a warm welcome from the Secretary of the House on arrival and be guided by the Speaker as he explains each Bill
Sit at the long table in the House of Keys as it was in 1866 be part of the debate and try to anticipate who will be your political allies and who your rivals
Cast your vote to decide the Island’s future. Discover if your vote aligns with what Victorian politicians voted for at the time

Location

Address: Parliament Square, Castletown, IM9 1LF

Phone: +44 (0) 1624 822306

What Three Words: pretended.narrowest.executive

Transport: Buses 1, 2, 2A, 8, 11, 11A. Isle of Man Steam Railway Castletown Stop

Essential Info

Drone Policy: The flying of unauthorised drones is not permitted at the Old House of Keys

Here are some useful FAQ’s