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Eilean Donan Castle Scotland – Video, photos and planning info

Last updated on September 23, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

One of the most famous castles in Britain, Eilean Donan Castle Scotland is located on an islet at the meet of 3 lochs not far from the isle of Skye. Its strategic and scenic locations is combined with great historical displays. A place not to be missed...

Eilean Donan Castle Scotland - Eilean Donan Loch Duich Scotland
Quick Navigation
Eilean Donan Castle History
PLANNING TIPS - Eilean Donan Castle Scotland
Views of Eilean Donan Castle Scotland from the Visitor Center
Views from the other side of the Bridge
Inside Eilean Donan Castle Scotland
Best view of Eilean Donan Castle - with Loch Duich
Castle of Eilean Donan Scotland in Video

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Eilean Donan Castle History

Eilean Donan Castle Scotland, or island of Donan, was not originally built on the islet. It was set up that way early 13th century as a defensive measure against the Vikings.

Eilean Donan Castle Scotland 1

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Overtime the castle has changed a lot, expanding and contracting. During medieval times it was probably at its largest.

The Castle of Eilean Donan played a role in the Jacobite risings in the 17th and 18th centuries. And it was destroyed as a result... in 1719.

After being left in ruins for 200 years, it was bought by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 who spent 20 years restoring it


PLANNING TIPS - Eilean Donan Castle Scotland

How to get to Eilean Donan Castle Scotland

  • The Castle of Eilean Donan is very easy to find. From Road A87 to the Isle of Skye, it is clearly indicated as you can see in the photo below 
  • 15 min before the Skye Bridge
  • Glasgow to Eilean Donan Castle = 4h15 drive
  • Edinburgh to Eilean Donan Castle = 4h15 drive
  • Inverness to Eilean Donan Castle = 2h drive
Access Eilean Donan Caslte Scotland

Access Eilean Donan Carpark and visitor center

The GPS coordinates and location on a practical map are available on my Travel Guides that simplify the planning of your itinerary:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Scotland Road Trip Guide ebook cover

15 Maps, 150+ locations, 170+ photos
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Cover Road Trip Edinburgh to Skye

8 Maps, 60 Features locations, 115+ photos
LEARN MORE

Visiting Eilean Donan Castle

  • It is a very touristic spot and the parking fills up very quickly
  • Open everyday - 10am to 6pm 25th March to 25th Oct, 10am to 4pm or 5pm the other months
  • £10
  • More information on the Castle's website
  • Toilets and café at the visitor center
  • Eilean Donan is also a stop on most small group Isle of Skye Tours - check out my article to help you choose

Photographing Eilean Donan Castle Scotland

  • The Eilean Donan Castle Scotland is a great spot for photography both at sunrise and sunset as there are views from each side
  • Also consider the tide that can help you get great reflections

Views of Eilean Donan Castle Scotland from the Visitor Center

As you approach the castle you discover its great location. It just stands out in the environment. I would have loved to see it with a little bit more water though...

Eilean Donan Castle Scotland 2
Eilean Donan Castle Scotland 3

Views from the other side of the Bridge

You can also walk towards the right of the bridge and ifs over the other side. Here they are fun seats made of wood.

Eilean Donan Castle Scotland 4
Eilean Donan Castle Scotland 5
Eilean Donan Castle Scotland 6
Eilean Donan Castle Scotland 8

Inside Eilean Donan Castle Scotland

As I wanted to spend more time outside in the beautiful nature of the Isle of Skye, I decided not to visit the inside of the castle. Plus there were a lot of tourists for such a small castle and I don't like crowds.

The inside has been well furnished, especially the kitchen. Mannequins and replica are set up to show how life was int he castle.​

To give you an idea and help you decide if you wan to visit are a couple of shots on Flickr:

  • kitchen
  • inside of castle

Best view of Eilean Donan Castle - with Loch Duich

Most people continue directly to the Isle of Skye anxious to discover the Old Man of Storr or Kilt Rock. However take at least 5 minutes to stop a little bit further on A87.  The Jetty has a bakery and a wonderful view of the Eilean Donan Castle Scotland with the magnificent mountains of Loch Duich in the background:

Eilean Donan Castle Scotland Jetty viewathedral Cove, Coromandel peninsula, New Zealand
Eilean Donan Loch Duich Scotland  1
Eilean Donan Loch Duich Scotland  2
Eilean Donan Loch Duich Scotland  3
Eilean Donan Loch Duich Scotland  4

Castle of Eilean Donan Scotland in Video

And here is a short video to summarize the views of Eilean Donan Castle Scotland.


Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

PREVIOUS: 

ROAD TO SKYE BRIDGE - GLEN SHIEL

NEXT: 

THINGS TO DO IN SKYE ISLAND

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

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Eilean Donan Castle Scotland Pin

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Comments

  1. Richard McCray says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:39 AM

    Beautiful place. Have visited twice and hope to return sometime.

    Reply

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