Highlands & Islands 2020/21
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Dornie (by Kyle of Lochalsh), IV40 8DX
An unmissable feature of the Scottish highlands,
Eilean Donan Castle is located at the meeting point
of three sea lochs in Kyle of Lochalsh. The castle
was first built sometime during the 13th century, and
then partially destroyed in 1718 during the Jacobite
uprising. Reconstruction began in 1913, finally
completed 1932 and the castle opened to the public
in 1955. Now owned by the Conchra Charitable
Trust, the grounds are still managed by the MacRae
clan, who are devoted to the preservation of the
building’s heritage. Besides having a redesigned
free car park available, the castle offers a number
of facilities for visitors. These include a visitor
centre with ticket office, a coffee shop where you
can stop in for soups and sandwiches made from
local ingredients or a finely crafted coffee, and a
gift shop featuring a selection of books, clothing
and other keepsakes from your visit. If you’ve really
fallen in love with the surroundings, weddings can
also be arranged year-round and accommodation
is readily available at the Eilean Donan Cottage,
situated just across the water from the castle and
boasting a jaw-dropping view of the castle, or at
the nearby Eilean Donan Apartments. Visitors are
encouraged to explore three floors of the castle and
marvel at all of its historical and family artefacts.
Tours run every day and journey through a number
of bedrooms, the Banquet Hall, the Great Hall, and
the Billeting room. Children are also welcome, and
the entire area provides a gorgeous backdrop for
a family outing with opportunities for boat trips and
wildlife appearances by seals, otters and dolphins.
It is one of the most photographed locations in all of
Scotland, has appeared in a number of films, and is
arguably the most romantic and iconic castle in the
Scottish Highlands.
EILEAN DONAN CASTLE
