Eilean Donan Castle Visitors Guide

Eilean Donan Castle Visitors Guide

Eilean Donan Castle is a stunning medieval castle located on an island at the point where three Scottish sea lochs meet. This iconic castle dates back more than 800 years and has played an important role in Scotland’s history, appearing in many movies and even becoming Scotland’s most photographed location.

History of Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is thought to have been constructed in the 13th century and its strategic position meant that it was frequently used as a defensive stronghold by Clan Mackenzie. It has seen three phases of construction, with the most recent taking place during the early 20th century. In 1912, Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap, who is related to the Clan MacRae, purchased the ruined castle and set about restoring it.

Eilean Donan Castle has seen a turbulent past; it was occupied and damaged many times throughout its history. It was destroyed in 1719 during the Jacobite uprising and lay in ruins until its restoration by MacRae-Gilstrap. The castle’s location was of strategic importance to both sides of the conflict, and so throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, it was subject to various battles, sieges and occupations. In the late 1800s, Eilean Donan Castle was purchased by the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie and given a major restoration project to bring it back to its former glory.

In more recent years, Eilean Donan Castle has become a popular tourist attraction and film location. It featured in the movie Highlander and was also used to double for Buckingham Palace in the second instalment of The Borrowers. Today, visitors can take guided tours around the castle, exploring its history, architecture and its impressive views across three sea lochs. The castle also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including medieval feasts and re-enactment battles.

Visiting Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is located on an island in Loch Duich, just off the coast of Kintail in Scotland’s Highlands. It can be reached via a toll bridge, or by crossing the waters on one of the castle’s ferries. The castle is open to visitors from April to October and offers several guided tours throughout the season. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails around Eilean Donan Castle and its grounds, with stunning views across Loch Duich and the surrounding area. There is also a café, shop and visitor centre on-site. Parking is available for visitors arriving by car.

Visitors should be aware that Eilean Donan Castle has limited disabled access and can only be reached via steps or a steep incline. The castle’s grounds are mostly grass

How to get there

Visitors can get to Eilean Donan Castle by car or bus from Inverness or take a boat tour from Skye. Once on the island, visitors can explore the castle grounds, which offer stunning views of the sea lochs and the surrounding mountains. Inside the castle, visitors can take a guided tour of the Great Hall and battlements, learn about its history in the museum, and view traditional Scottish artefacts in the exhibition hall.

For those looking for something more active, Eilean Donan Castle hosts events throughout the year, such as the Medieval Fayre in June and the Highland Games in September. There are also plenty of walking trails to explore, offering stunning views of the castle and lochs.

The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness

Experience Scotland’s breathtaking natural landscape on a memorable day trip to the Isle of Skye from Inverness! Enjoy round-trip transport from central Inverness and an experienced guide that will provide commentary about the area’s top landmarks. From Eilean Donan Castle to Portree, you won’t want to miss out on any of the incredible sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera along – this trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s landscape and is perfect for any photography enthusiast. Spend a day away from the city and explore one of most iconic destinations in Scotland!

Book your Isle of Skye tour today

Is Inverness Worth Visiting?

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Inverness is the perfect base from which to explore the Northern Highlands of Scotland. It is close to popular tourist destinations such as Loch Ness, the Speyside whisky region or the North Coast 500 road trip. Inverness itself is an amazing city to visit, so yes, Inverness is definitely worth visiting.

How do I spend a day in Inverness?

1. Culloden Battlefield. A prominent location during the Jacobite Rising
2. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
3. Clava Cairns.
4. River Ness & Ness Islands.
5. Inverness Botanic Gardens.
6. A night out in the city.

Ready to start planning that trip to Scotland? Start here!

Download our free Scotland Travel Guide (PDF)