Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan stands on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet — Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh — in the Scottish western Highlands, near Dornie. A curtain-wall castle was raised here in the early 13th century under Alexander II, becoming a stronghold of Clan Mackenzie and their allies Clan MacRae. In 1719 Spanish troops garrisoning the castle for a Jacobite uprising were besieged by Royal Navy frigates; detonation of stored gunpowder destroyed the fortification.
It lay ruined for two centuries until Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap rebuilt it between 1919 and 1932. Opened to the public in 1955, it draws over 300,000 visitors annually. Its iconic silhouette has made it a favourite film location, appearing in Highlander (1986) and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999).
Visitor information
- Location
- Dornie, Scotland
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Tier
- A (Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip)
- Coordinates
- 57.274, -5.5161
- Official site
- http://www.eileandonancastle.com/
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Eilean Donan Castle?
- Eilean Donan Castle is in Dornie, Scotland, United Kingdom (approximately 57.274, -5.5161).
- Can you visit Eilean Donan Castle?
- Yes — Eilean Donan Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.eileandonancastle.com/ for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Eilean Donan Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Eilean Donan Castle is rated A tier on the Castle Atlas — Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip.
- What can you see at Eilean Donan Castle?
- Eilean Donan stands on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet — Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh — in the Scottish western Highlands, near Dornie. A curtain-wall castle was raised here in the early 13th century under Alexander II, becoming a stronghold of Clan Mackenzie and their allies Clan MacRae. In 1719 Spanish troops garrisoning the castle for a Jacobite uprising were besieged by Royal Navy frigates; detonation of stored gunpowder destroyed the fortification.
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