Eilean Donan Castle, near Dornie (Scottish Highlands and Islands)

Summary 14th century buildings Guided tours Gift shop Information provided Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Tea Room

Introduction

Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some breathtaking scenery, Eilean Donan castle is now one of the most visited castles in the Scottish highlands. Visitors can explore almost every part of the Castle from the Banqueting Hall to the bedrooms, with experts guides on hand to answer any questions.

History to the present day

The first fortified structure was built on the island in the early 13th century as a defensive measure, protecting the lands of Kintail against the Vikings who raided, settled and controlled much of the North of Scotland and the Western Isles between 800 and 1266. From the mid 13th century, this area was the quite seperate "Sea Kingdom" of the Lord of the Isles where the sea was the main highway and the power of feuding clan chiefs was counted by the number of men and galleys or "birlinns" at their disposal. Eilean Donan offered the perfect defensive position.

Over the centuries, the castle itself has expanded and contracted in size. The medieval castle was probably the largest, with towers and a curtain wall that encompassed nearly the entire island. The main keep stood on the islands highest point. Around the end of the 14th century the area of the castle was reduced to about a fifth of its original size, and although the reason is unclear, it probably relates to the number of men required to defend the structure. By the 16th century a hornwork was added to the east wall to offer a firing platform for the newly introduced cannons.

Eilean Donan also played a role in the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries, which ultimately culminated in the castles destruction…

In 1719 the castle was garrisoned by 46 Spanish soldiers who were supporting the Jacobites. The English Government caught wind of the intended uprising and sent three heavily armed frigates The Flamborough, The Worcester, and The Enterprise to quell matters. The bombardment of the castle lasted three days, though met with limited success due to the enormity of the castle walls, which in some places are up to 14 feet thick. Finally, Captain Herdman of The Enterprise sent his men ashore and over-whelmed the Spanish defenders.

Food and Drinks

The Castle has a coffee shop which serves refreshments and lights snacks. Open from 10.00am to 4.45pm.

Grounds and gardens

From the Castle you can walk to Dornie at the mouth of Loch Long, see the Cuillin of Skye in the distance across Loch Alsh or look to the head of Loch Duich towards the dramatic Five Sisters of Kintail. 

Other facilities

There is a visitor centre which gives tourist information on the area and a virtual tour of the castle. Gift shop.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , Scottish Highlands and Islands, , United Kingdom

Address: Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DX

Directions: Located off the A 87, about eight miles east of Kyle of Lochalsh

Opening Hours: March - October 10.00am - 6.00pm (9.00am opening during July & August).

Plenty of free car parking at the castle.

 

More photos of Eilean Donan Castle, near Dornie

13th Century Door