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Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, at the point where three lochs meet, lies one of the country’s most recognizable attractions, Eilean Donan Castle. The castle is famed for its mystical setting, idyllic arched bridge and the countless number of photographs that have adorned postcards, shortbread tins and other Scottish memorabilia over the years. Eilean Donan Castle is truly a historic and iconic image of Scotland and is an essential stop for anyone touring the Highlands.
The History of Eilean Donan Castle
The Scottish Gaelic name Eilean Donan translates to English as “Island of Donan” and is believed to come from an Irish saint who inhabited the area in the 6th century. According to the Eilean Donan Castle website, the first fortified structure on the site was built in the 13th century, most likely as a defence against the Vikings in the area at the time.
Eilean Donan Castle is associated with a few notable figures throughout history, one being Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray. A nephew of Robert the Bruce, he was an important figure during the Scottish Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries and also served as Regent of Scotland for Robert’s son David II. His association with Eilean Donan Castle is rather a gruesome one and the story goes that he executed 50 individuals accused of wrongdoing on one of his visits to the castle. It is believed he displayed their heads on the castle walls thereafter.
The castle eventually came to be held by Clan Mackenzie and went through several changes over the next few centuries. The castle was often defended and looked after by the Macraes, who were close allies of the Mackenzies, and it is still Macraes that are the Constables of the castle today. The Mackenzies were involved in their fair share of disputes over the centuries including disputes with Clan MacDonald. Eilean Donan Castle is also the site where Clan Chief Donald Gorm MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, was killed trying to take the castle in 1539.
Eilean Donan Castle is also well known for the role it played in the Jacobite Risings of the 17th and 18th centuries and it is through its involvement in the rebellion that the original castle ultimately came to demise. In 1719, the castle was inhabited by a group of Spanish soldiers who were supporting the Jacobite cause and awaiting arrival of weapons from Spain. However, the English forces interfered and bombarded the castle over three days. The English forces overcame the Spanish troops and once the castle was surrendered, hundreds of barrels of gunpowder being stored within the walls were blown up and destroyed much of the castle.
Over the next 200 years, the ruins of Eilean Donan Castle lay vacant until in 1911, Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap decided to buy the island and dedicate the next 20 years to restoring the historic structure. The restored Eilean Donan Castle was completed in 1932 and remains the castle that stands on site today. The castle opened to the public in 1955 and in 1983, the Conchra Charitable Trust was established to preserve the castle and allow it to be continuously operated as a tourist site.
What is Eilean Donan Castle Famous For?
If you’re thinking Eilean Donan looks familiar or that you’ve seen it before, then you’re probably right! Often referred to as one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan is easily recognizable from the Scottish memorabilia it has been featured on over the years. The castle also holds a significant place in the world of cinema and has been a filming location for many well-known productions.
Most famously, Eilean Donan Castle is renowned for featuring in the 1986 fantasy movie, Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. It has also been featured in films such as Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948), starring David Niven, Rob Roy (1995) starring Liam Neeson, James Bond: The World is Not Enough (1999), starring Pierce Brosnan as well as quite a few others.
Both the inside and outside of Eilean Donan Castle are stunning. You’ll want to make sure you leave time for taking photos out front, as there are a number of spots that provide the perfect backdrop. Be sure to get your photos before heading inside though, because once you enter viewing is for your eyes only!
Inside the castle, visitors can explore rooms such as the Banqueting Hall and Castle Kitchens. Each room is filled with various interesting historical artifacts, including original cannonballs that were fired during the bombardment of 1719. For Canadians, there is also an interesting connection with the Banqueting Hall as the Douglas Fir timber beams were sent as a restoration gift from British Columbia and the Macraes of Canada.
And if looking for accommodation, while you can’t actually stay inside the castle, visitors can stay at Eilean Donan Cottage, which is only 100 metres away! There is also the option to stay in the Eilean Donan Apartments in the nearby village of Dornie.
Tips for Visiting Eilean Donan Castle
When is Eilean Donan Castle open?
The castle is open from February to December each year, so if you’re wanting to tour the inside of the castle, that is the time to go. However, if you are travelling to Scotland in January, you can still drive by and take photos of the castle from out front.
Eilean Donan Castle is usually open from around 9am-6pm during peak season, but it’s best to check the opening times online before visiting.
What is the best time to visit Eilean Donan Castle?
Having been to the castle in both summer and winter, it’s equally stunning no matter what time of year you visit. Whether visiting on a glorious summer day, a misty autumn afternoon or a snow-dusted winter’s morning, the changing seasons only add to the castle’s atmospheric surroundings.
How long is needed to visit Eilean Donan Castle?
If you are looking to explore the inside of the castle, I would suggest leaving about 1 – 1.5 hours to make sure you have time to visit the castle, get your photographs and browse the gift shop. However, if you are short on time, you can make a quick stop out front to get a few photos and perhaps have a quick look around the shop.
The castle can get quite busy during peak season, so I would also recommend leaving yourself enough time to get that perfect photo!
How do I get to Eilean Donan castle?
Due to its unique location in the Scottish Highlands, the easiest way to get to Eilean Donan Castle is by car. The castle is just under a 2-hour drive from Inverness and well worth the drive, as it’s a scenic route. You can also stop at the castle on your way from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, another highly recommended journey. You can take a look at car rentals here.
If you’re coming from Glasgow or Edinburgh, it will take you just over 4 hours to reach the castle by car. You can also take the train from these cities to Inverness and rent a car from there.
If you’re unable to rent a car, I would suggest booking one of the many Highland tours that run out of Inverness. Rabbie’s tours are fantastic, and I would suggest their 1-day Skye & Eilean Donan tour from Inverness, as this ensures you see the highlights of the region.
How much does it cost to visit Eilean Donan Castle?
The entrance fee to the castle is about £11 for adults, with the option to purchase a family ticket for £32. And if you’re travelling with little ones, children under 5 enter for free!
What else is there to do near Eilean Donan Castle?
This area of Scotland is one of my absolute favourite corners of the world and there is plenty to do in the region! I highly recommend making the trip from Kyle of Lochalsh to the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most popular islands. Just over an hour from Eilean Donan Castle is also Urquhart Castle, which sits on the famous banks of Loch Ness, home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. If travelling around the region, I would also suggest visiting the city of Inverness. If you visit Inverness, check out the Top 10 Historical Things to do in Inverness for ideas.
This article’s information was last updated in July 2023.