It is located in the south-east of the island (part of the traditional South Side division) in the sheading of Middle.

To the north of the parish is Newtown and the recently built estate of Mount Murray where the northern border along the Crogga River Glen is to be found.

While the parish lacks size and good soil, it does have some high cliffs, ancient monuments, ruins, and various other scenery.

All along the Manx coastline, and particularly on the rocky slate headlands of the south, are the remains of promontory forts which date back almost 2,000 years.

All have a rampart on their vulnerable landward side, and excavations at Cronk ny Merriu have shown that access to the fort was by a strongly built gate.

St Sanctain's stands on the site of an ancient 1500-year-old chapel Keeill - well before St. Augustine came from Rome to Canterbury.