Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle
Jake Davies
One of the most photographed castles in the UK, and an icon of the Scottish Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is in a relatively remote location.
However, the castle sees throngs of visitors who come to capture the beauty and grandeur of this picturesque fortress and its majestic surroundings.
History
Built on a small island where three sea lochs meet, and within sight of the Isle of Skye, the castle has appeared in uncountable advertisements and more than a few TV shows and movies, notably the original Highlander movie of 1986 starring Christophe Lambert.
Meaning Isle of Donan, Donan being a 6th century Irish saint who may have constructed a hermitage on the island.
A castle was built here in the early 13th century and probably encompassed most of the island. It was used for protection again Viking incursions.
Over the ensuing centuries the castle changed in size and ownership. In the early 18th century the castle housed a garrison of Spanish soldiers who were allies with the House of Stuart who were trying to regain the throne of England, Ireland and Scotland in a conflict known as the Jacobite Rising.
The Royal Navy bombarded the castle and after taking it they used the castle's own stores of gunpowder to blow it up.
The castle remained a ruin until the early 20th century when it was bought by John Macrae-Gilstrap who rebuilt it to its current form. He also built the stone bridge that connects to the island.
Views
While a visit to the castle will interest many, perhaps more are interested in the views of the castle.
It can be seen from many different vantage points, and the scene changes dramatically in different seasons and weathers, but also at different times of the day.
An overnight stay is best as you can then see it in the early morning, late in the day, and also illuminated at night.
Dornie, the small village adjacent to the castle was once a small fishing village but now the main income is in providing accommodation and food for visitors to the castle. There are many small guesthouses and hotels as well as a campground. There are several bakeries and pubs also.
Access & Hours
Eilean Donan Castle
Dornie, IV40 8DX, Scotland
Tel: 01599 555202
Open 10 am to 6 pm from 29th March until 30th October. Then from 10 am to 4 pm the rest of the year except when it is closed over Christmas and the month of January.
Entry 10 GBP for adults, 5 GBP for kids.
The only access to the castle by public transport is by inter-city buses that connect Portree on the Isle of Skye with Fort William and points south, and, less frequently, between Portree and Inverness.
The closest railway station is Kyle of Lochalsh, 8 miles away, the terminal of the line that runs to Dingwall and Inverness Station and is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
In fact you can get to or from the castle by taking the famous scenic line from Fort William to Mallaig, a short ferry across to Skye and then a local bus up the coast to where you can connect with the inter-city buses going to Eilean Donan. This way you can ride two of the top train journeys in the world on a visit to the castle.
Renting a car is another option.
Scotland Related
Hermaness National Nature Reserve
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