The Eilean Donan Castle is the icon of the Scottish Highlands. Since its appearance in Highlander (1986) the castle is one of the most visited castles in Scotland. Even if you’re not a fan of the movie, the castle is beautiful, rich with history, and definitely worth a visit.
Eilean Donan Castle is a stunning and historic landmark that will transport you back in time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply appreciate breathtaking scenery, this castle is a must-see attraction. Eilean Donan Castle is located in the western Highlands of Scotland, near the village of Dornie. It is situated on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, creating a picturesque setting that has made it one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 13th century and has been beautifully restored, making it a popular tourist destination.
Visiting Eilean Donan Castle is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s fascinating history and marvel at its stunning natural beauty.
Be sure to check out my essential tips for visiting Scotland before you go!
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The castle is also nicknamed Dornie Castle (after nearby town Dornie) or Highlander Castle. However, Eilean Donan actually translates to the “island of Donan,” where the castle actually lies. The Kintail Mountains surround three lochs that surround the tiny island – making the castle’s location very unique.
The castle overlooks the Isle of Skye and the tiny village of Dornie, making its location ideal for visitors. Outside of Edinburgh Castle, Eilean Donan is the most photographed castle in Scotland. If you’re on a quest for castles, be sure to check out these twenty other castles in Scotland!
Fun Fact: Parts of the walls of the castle are 14 feet (over 4m) thick!
The ruined walls of Eilean Donan Castle are more than just a pretty picture – they contain a life filled with wars, jealousy, and even love.
Originally built as a protective system against the Vikings, now it is a dream destination wedding location for couples from around the world. But how did it make that amazing transformation?
Before visiting, be sure to check out these Essential Tips for Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle: The Building
An Irish bishop named Donan came to Scotland around 580 B.C. Legend has it that he built communities on the island. After death, he became an Irish Saint. There are a number of churches named after him (as well as a castle).
The castle was not built until the 13th century to protect from the Vikings. Until then, the Vikings raided, settled and controlled much of the Scottish Highlands. It was at this point, the castle was at its largest – encompassing almost the entire island. After that, its size was reduced and expanded as needs arose. In the 14th century, the castle shrunk to about a quarter of the size due to maintenance issues. In the 16th century, parts of the castle were added to offer a firing platform for canons.
No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting Edinburgh & The Royal Mile.
Eilean Donan Castle also played a big role during the 17th and 18th-century Jacobite risings. Spanish soldiers (supporting the Jacobites) were holding gun powder and waiting for weapons from Spain. When England found out about this, they quickly sent forces to the castle. At first, the thick walls seemed to do their job, but the 46 Spanish soldiers were eventually overwhelmed. After their surrender, the English used the barrels of gunpowder (over 300 barrels), to blow up the remaining castle.
Eilean Donan in Ruins
After the Jacobite rising, the castle was left in ruins for about 200 years. In 1911, Lt. Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap purchased it. The next twenty years were spent reconstructing Eilean Donan to her former glory. The castle was completed in July 1932. The MacRae family are still Constables of Eilean Donan Castle today.
Scotland truly has something for everyone! Find more to explore here.
The castle opened to the public in 1955. Since its opening, hundreds of thousands of people visit the castle every year. The Conchra Charitable Trust was formed in 1983 to help keep the castle in great shape for future visitors.
Fun Fact: The castle has one of only two left-handed spiral staircases in a castle in Great Britain. (Allegedly this is because the reigning king at the time of building held his sword with his left hand instead of his right.)
Visiting Eilean Donan today
When planning a visit to Eilean Donan, be sure to check their website for openings. The castle and the grounds can be rented out for private events so you don’t want to go when it is closed.
Admission is £10.00 for adults, £9.00 for seniors (60+) £6.00 for children (6+), or £29.00 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 kids). Prices include an audio guide.
While the castle is most famous for its appearance in Highlander (below), it was also featured in: The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, The World is not Enough, and Made of Honour.
It’s important to note that the castle is not handicap accessible. There are a number of stairs and uneven flooring. However, if you go to the visitor center, there is a computer-based virtual tour available.
There are some security procedures in place, so either rent a locker for your bag/purse or leave it in the car. The castle is drone-free.
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Donan Castle looks amazing! It is fascinating that they change the size of the castle!
Scotland keeps moving up on my travel list! I gotta get there just to see castles like this!
This looks like a beautiful place! Thank you for pointing out that it is not handicap accessible, that means I won’t bring the stroller for my kids when we visit!
yes! I know they have small lockers, but I don’t know if they would fit a stroller.If you are driving there or taking a tour, I would leave it before entering the castle.
Scotland is beautiful! Great photos 🙂
Ahh my bus tour just stopped for photos of this castle but didn’t actually get to go inside! I wish I could have explored more!
That is very helpful – I have watched the move a couple of times and I had no idea where the castle was.
I am amazed that it took 20 years to bring it back to its former glory and I am glad they did it.
The castle is absolutely gorgeous! And how fascinating that the king was a lefty, because back then it was often believed that people who preferred their left hands were possessed by the devil. My grandpa was a lefty, and in the 1930s here in the US (not the 12th century), they would pin his left hand to his shirt when he was little to force him to use his right!
That’s fascinating! My husband is lefty, but he didn’t have to do any of that haha. I guess because this king was royalty they looked the other way? Not sure.
I’m putting this on my list for when I finally make it to Scotland
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