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Castle · Portree, Escócia
Dunvegan Castle
The castle of Clan MacLeod, inhabited by the same family for about 800 years, beside a saltwater loch in northwest Skye, featuring the Fairy Flag, gardens and boat trips to see seals.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Dunvegan Castle
O Castelo de Dunvegan stands on a rock at the edge of Loch Dunvegan in northwest Ilha de Skye, about 35 km from Portree. It is the seat of Clan MacLeod and is considered the longest-occupied castle in Scotland by the same family, for around 800 years. The present building mixes medieval parts with renovations from the 17th–19th centuries, giving it a Victorian-castle appearance.
The visit goes through the halls, the library, the dining room and the dungeon, displaying family portraits and objects. The most famous is the Fairy Flag, a piece of ancient silk that, according to legend, was a gift from a fairy to a clan chief and would grant victory to the MacLeods when unfurled. The castle also houses the Dunvegan cup and Rory Mor's drinking horn.
The gardens, about 2 hectares, were replanted from the 18th century and include a water garden, waterfalls, a walled garden and woodlands—in a part of the island where trees are rare. Small boats leave from the castle pier to the islets in the loch, where colonies of seals often rest.
The castle and gardens are usually open from April to mid-October and closed in winter; check the website.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the castle, gardens and the boat trip to see seals.
Best time
In the open season, from April to mid-October, in the morning. The boat trips to see seals depend on the weather and the tide. In winter the castle is closed.
How to get there
It's about 1 km from the village of Dunvegan, roughly 35 km from Portree via the A850 and A863, about a 40-minute drive. There are some buses from Portree to Dunvegan. Combine with Neist Point, about 35 km away.
Tip
Take the short boat trip to see the seals on the islets in the loch and then visit the gardens. Combine the same outing with Neist Point in the late afternoon.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dunvegan Castle
Is Dunvegan Castle open all year?
No. It usually opens from April until mid-October. Check the dates on the website.
What is the Fairy Flag?
A piece of ancient silk that, according to legend, was a gift from a fairy to the MacLeod clan and would bring victory when unfurled.
Can you see seals in Dunvegan?
Yes, the boat trips that leave from the castle usually take you to the islets where the seals rest, depending on the weather and the tide.
Who lives in the castle?
The family of the chief of the MacLeod clan, who have lived there for about 800 years.