The town of Douglas is the center of the Isle of Man’s business, shipping, transport, shopping, and entertainment. It derives its name from the early Celtic word Duboglassio, meaning ‘black river.’ Located in the Irish Sea, equidistant from England, Scotland and Ireland, the Isle of Man is a self-governing possession of the British Crown and is not part of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, or an Overseas Territory, but instead holds a semiautonomous status. It is home to the world's oldest continuous parliament, known as the Tynwald Court.
The Isle of Man is a melting pot of character and taste, blessed with an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoiled beaches. It is home to numerous nature reserves, parks, historic stone churches, castles and an abundance of diverse museums, including ones dedicated to aviation, military, motorcycle, railway, folk, and nautical exhibits. At the House of Manannan Museum visitors are guided through interactive displays focusing on the island’s Celtic and Viking past.