Douglas, Isle of Man

Douglas
Capital city
Douglas viewed from Douglas Head
Flag
Douglas
Location within the Isle of Man
Population26,677 (2021 Census)
OS grid referenceSC379750
ParishCity of Douglas
SheadingMiddle
Crown dependencyIsle of Man
Post townISLE OF MAN
Postcode districtIM1 / IM2
Dialling code01624
PoliceIsle of Man
FireIsle of Man
AmbulanceIsle of Man
House of KeysDouglas North
Douglas East
Douglas South
Douglas West
Websitewww.douglas.gov.im

Douglas (Manx: Doolish, pronounced [ˈdðuːlʲəʃ]) is the capital city and largest settlement of the Isle of Man, with a population of 26,677 (2021) and an area of 4.1 square miles (10.5 km2). It is located at the mouth of the River Douglas, and on a sweeping bay of two miles (three kilometres). The River Douglas forms part of the city's harbour and main commercial port.

Douglas was a small settlement until it grew rapidly as a result of links with the English port of Liverpool in the 18th century. Further population growth came in the following century, resulting during the 1860s in a staged transfer of the High Courts, the Lieutenant Governor's residence (actually located in nearby Onchan), and finally the seat of the legislature, Tynwald, to Douglas from the ancient capital, Castletown.

The city is the island's main hub for business, finance, legal services, shipping, transport, shopping, and entertainment. The annual Isle of Man TT motorcycle races start and finish in Douglas.