Douglas (Isle of Man) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital city of the Isle of Man
About Douglas (Isle of Man)
In Gaelicdub glaismeans "dark stream", from peaty waters. The River Douglas is formed here by the confluence of the Dhoo and Glass streams, but those names may be a back-formation. In the Middle Ages it was a fishing hamlet, with only 13 households when first counted in 1511. In early modern times its harbour made it more important for herring fishing, for maritime defence, for trade with England, and above all for smuggling. The British were so irked by this that they took tighter control, with the Revestment Act of 1765 establishing the island's present status under the crown. Better shipping and more avenues for legitimate trade meant that Douglas outgrew Castletown, until in the 1860s the law courts, parliament and executive offices all moved here. Douglas retained its medieval streets
Top Attractions in Douglas (Isle of Man)
Explore the best things to see and do in Douglas (Isle of Man):
- ★Gaiety Theatre
- ★Home of Rest for Old Horses
- ★Manx Museum
- ★St George's Church
- ★Tynwald
Where to Eat in Douglas (Isle of Man)
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴14 North Restaurant
- 🍴Barbary Coast Grill & Bar
- 🍴Capone's
- 🍴Downtown Cafe
- 🍴Jak's Bar & Smokehouse
- 🍴Just Pizza & Pasta
Where to Stay in Douglas (Isle of Man)
- 🏨Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino
- 🏨Claremont Hotel
- 🏨Comis Hotel & Golf Resort
- 🏨Edelweiss
- 🏨Ellan Vannin Hotel
- 🏨Empress Hotel
Douglas (Isle of Man) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: