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Castle · Portree, Escócia
Eilean Donan Castle
The castle on a small island at the meeting point of three lochs, near Dornie, linked to the mainland by a stone bridge, rebuilt in the 20th century over the medieval ruins on the route to the Isle of Skye.
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 Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle stands on a small island at the point where three sea lochs — Duich, Long and Alsh — meet, near the village of Dornie, about 15 km from the Skye Bridge. The island has been fortified since the 13th century, associated with Clan MacKenzie and later Clan MacRae. In 1719, during a Jacobite rising supported by Spanish soldiers, the castle was shelled by government ships and lay in ruins for almost 200 years.
Between 1912 and 1932 Lieutenant-Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap rebuilt the castle on the old foundations, based on plans and accounts, and added the arched stone bridge that now links it to the mainland. Inside, the visit includes the banqueting hall with its beamed ceiling, furnished rooms, a recreated kitchen with figures and the battlements with views over the lochs and mountains.
The castle is one of the most photographed in Scotland and appears in films such as Highlander and The World Is Not Enough. It is owned by a foundation connected to Clan MacRae.
The visitor centre on the shore has a café and shop. The castle usually closes or reduces opening hours for part of the 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
1 to 1.5 hours for the interior and the battlements; allow more time for photos from the shore.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the castle is lit against the loch and the mountain, for exterior photos. For the interior visit, early morning before the tour groups. Winter opening hours are reduced.
How to get there
It is on the A87, near Dornie, about 15 km from the Skye Bridge, 75 km from Portree and 120 km from Fort William. Buses from Inverness and Glasgow to Skye stop nearby. It lies on the natural driving route to the island.
Tip
For the classic photo with the bridge, stop at the viewpoint car park on the far side of the bay on the A87, before reaching Dornie. At night the castle is illuminated.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Eilean Donan Castle
Is Castelo de Eilean Donan medieval?
The foundations are medieval, but the castle you see was rebuilt between 1912 and 1932 after lying nearly 200 years in ruins.
Where is Eilean Donan?
Near the village of Dornie, about 15 km from the Skye Bridge, on the route to the island.
Is the castle open in winter?
It usually closes or reduces opening hours for part of the winter. Check the website.
Which films were made there?
Among others, Highlander and 007 - The World Is Not Enough.