Travel Plan
Eilean Donan Castle

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Eilean Donan Castle

Scotland's most romantic castle, on a small island where three sea lochs meet.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1.5 hours
Entry
Paid
Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Area
Dornie

A castle on a small island where three sea lochs meet.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX

  • By car: On the A87 at Dornie, about 15 minutes before the Skye Bridge.
  • From Inverness: About 2 hours by car.
  • Tours: Often included in Isle of Skye tours.

The story of Eilean Donan Castle

A castle has stood on this tidal island since the 13th century. It was destroyed in 1719 during a Jacobite rising and lay in ruins for almost 200 years.

Between 1912 and 1932 it was rebuilt by Lieutenant-Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap. Reached by a stone footbridge, it has appeared in many films and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

Best time to visit

Best season

April to October; closed or limited in winter.

Best time of day

Late afternoon light, or early to avoid coaches.

Photography

No photos inside the castle rooms.

Tips before you go

  • Combine it with the drive to the Isle of Skye.
  • Photograph the castle from the viewpoint by the car park.
  • Stop here on the way to the Isle of Skye.

Best hotels near Eilean Donan Castle

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Castle hotel near Fort William and Glencoe.

See prices

Rocpool Reserve

Boutique hotel in Inverness.

See prices

Kinloch Lodge

Country house hotel on the Isle of Skye.

See prices
All hotels near Eilean Donan Castle

What's around Eilean Donan Castle

  • Isle of Skye15 minutes to the Skye Bridge.
  • Kyle of LochalshVillage by the bridge.
  • PlocktonPretty village with palm trees.
  • Glen ShielMountain valley on the A87.

Questions travellers ask

Can I go inside Eilean Donan?

Yes, from spring to autumn.

Is it on the way to Skye?

Yes, just before the Skye Bridge.

How old is it?

The site dates to the 13th century; the castle was rebuilt in the 20th century.

More in Scottish Highlands

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Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

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Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye

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Travel Plan · Eilean Donan Castle Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure