Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Eilean Donan is a small island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands of Scotland which is connected to the mainland by a footbridge. Although the island was first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.

The original castle was built as a defence against the Vikings. In April 1719, the castle was occupied by Spanish troops attempting to start another Jacobite Rising. The castle was recaptured, and then demolished, by three Royal Navy frigates in May 1719. The castle lay in ruins for almost 200 years until 1919 when Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap commenced restoration. The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge to give easier access to the castle.

In 1983 The Conchra Charitable Trust was formed by the Macrae family to care for the Castle. A curious distinction of the castle is that it has one of only two left-handed spiral staircases in a castle in Great Britain, as the reigning king at the time of building held a sword with his left hand. Another distinction of the castle today is the grey field gun from World War I, positioned outside the building by a war memorial and fountain dedicated to the men of the Macrae clan who died in the war.

Opening Times

1st March to 31st October
10.00am - 6.00pm

9.00am opening during July & August

Last Admission 5.00pm

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Ticket Prices

Adults £6.00
Concessions - Students & Seniors £5.00
Family (2 Adults + 3 Children Age 5-15) £15.00
Under 5s Free

Group Rate (min 12 persons) £4.00

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01599 555 232

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