Isle Of Skye Castles : A View Into Clans Historical Past

Exterior of Dunvegan Castle, Skye Scotland

Isle of Skye castles are a heady mix of neglected yet evocative ruins, prior homes belonging to Scottish clans and even film set locations. What they all possess though is rich medieval history, prominent locations and rugged wild Scottish backdrops.

While many are now in a ruinous state, discovering their historical background and fascinating stories help bring these once imposing castles back to life.

Here are our favourite Skye Castles, from ruined remains in spectacular positions, to inhabited houses filled with historical relics.

CLANS AND CASTLES

Two principal clans ruled the Isle of Skye for centuries, and Clan MacLeod & Clan MacDonald both have castles on the island. Of the smaller clans, the most notable is Clan MacKinnons.

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BEST ISLE OF SKYE CASTLES

1 | CAISTEAL MAOL (Castle Moil)

Best Skye Castle for a gentle stroll and harbour views

Castle Maol maybe almost completely ruined, but it still holds a commanding position overlooking the strait of Kyle Akin. An ancient seat of the clan Mackinnon, the 15th century relic sits on a headland above Kyleakin village.

Standing on what would have been the ground floor public dining space, you get a true sense of the building’s history.

In 900 AD, the 4th MacKinnon chief married a Norse princess. The pair allegedly imposed a toll on all vessels crossing the strait between Skye and the mainland, a lucrative deal on their part.

The first floor view from the private apartments would have been a sight to behold.

The castle’s last occupant in 1601 was a nephew of the 26th clan chief and the building has been left to the elements ever since.

DON’T MISS | Excellent castle views from the north side of the harbour.

Location: Near the harbour, village of Kyleakin
Getting Here: Take the minor road off the roundabout at the Skye end of Skye Bridge. Alternatively, take the A850 from Broadford to Kyleakin. There is ample free parking near the harbour.

Opening Times & Prices: Free access year-round but be careful exploring as the castle is almost completely ruined. Be careful of boggy and rocky terrain.

2 | DUNSCAITH CASTLE

Best Skye Castle for Scottish folklore legend status

Offering stupendous views across Loch Eishort to the Black Cuillins, Dunscaith Castle dates back to the 14th century.

This bewitching ruin sits on an off-shore rock which rises 12 metres above sea level. As you gaze at the large gully from the mainland, imagine the once arched walled bridge leading onto a massive drawbridge.

While most of the inner buildings are long gone, the remains of a stairway can still be seen which would once have linked to a tower.

The castle was stolen from Clan MacDonald by Clan MacLeod but was recaptured in the 1400’s. Slow deterioration set in from 1618, when Clan MacDonald deserted the castle to set up home at Duntulm Castle.

DON’T MISS | The stunning view through the arch across Loch Eishort and over to the Black Cuillins.

Location: Dunscaith is located on the western coast of the Sleat peninsula on the Isle of Skye.
Getting Here: Take the turning off the A851 sign-posted to Tokavaig following an unnamed road for approximately six miles. The castle is visible in the distance from the road. Park in a small lay-by nearby. Reach the castle ruins on foot by following a signed track along the shore through boggy marsh.
Opening Times & Prices: Free access year-round

3 | DUNVEGAN CASTLE

Best Skye Castle for MacLeod history, ancient artifacts and seal colony

Having been continuously occupied by Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, this picturesque castle stands solidly on a rocky outcrop, by the shore of Loch Dunvegan.

The legends and historic collection of the famous Clan MacLeod has been shared with the public since the doors of Dunvegan Castle opened to the public in 1933. We found the castle to be a real delight to visit.

Sitting against a stunning backdrop of mountains, woodlands and sea, the land bridge and impressive entrance hall invite you in, to discover a mixture of building styles.

State Rooms are ornately decorated yet tasteful with many beautiful paintings and important heirlooms. Sir Rory Mor’s ceremonial drinking horn (clan chief) and Flora MacDonald’s Jacobite relics including a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hair are some of the treasures on display.

The prize possession of Clan MacLeod sitting in a special display case however is the Fairy Flag. Discover the myths and fantastical tales behind this flag and decide which one you want to believe.

Be sure to stroll around the beautifully kept formal gardens which provide an eclectic contrast to the surrounding landscape. Of particular note are a water lily pond, 17th century lectern sundial, Larch Pergola and waterfalls.

DON’T MISS | Taking a 25min boat trip in a traditional open clinker boat to see the Loch Dunvegan grey seal colony (Additional £10 applies)

Location: A850, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8WF
Getting Here: Castle & Gardens are located one mile north of Dunvegan village in the North West of the Isle of Skye. Free parking with dedicated parking bays for RVs available in the extension area at the rear.
Opening Times & Prices: Open 1 April – 15 October | 10am to 5.30pm. Cost £14.00 for adults with access to castle & gardens

4 | DUNTULM CASTLE

Best Skye Castle for tragic tale and fantastic views

The ruins of Duntulm Castle stand resolutely on a sheer basalt cliff looking out across The Minch, with the Isle of Lewis off in the distance. It’s hard to imagine a more dramatic position and the viewpoint from the beach is superb.

While the main tower was once four storeys in height, most of the 15th century remains form a rectangle. The castle was well protected by steep cliffs on three sides, while a drawbridge across a deep ditch took care of the landward side.

The last residents were the MacDonalds who stayed until circa 1732 when they moved to a new house 5 miles away. As stones were taken to help build the new house, the castle was left to rot. One theory for the move was the castle’s ghosts of which there were a few!

Hysterical screams are said to haunt the castle. One is that of the nursemaid in charge of the then Laird’s son, who fell from a window onto the rocks. She is said to have been set adrift into the Atlantic Ocean on a small boat as a result.

With so little left to see of Duntulm, this castle ruin is all about the stunning location and ghostly legends.

DON’T MISS | The haunting view of the castle on a misty day. If you carefully scramble down to the shore, you get a superb view from below.

Location: Along the A855 at the north west tip of the Trotternish Peninsula. IV51 9UF
Getting Here: Small parking area to the south. It is a short walk across a field occupied by livestock to reach the ruins. Be careful near the cliff edge.
Opening Times & Prices: Free access year-round

5 | ARMADALE CASTLE

Best Skye Castle for beautiful gardens and museum

The impressive and romantic ruins of Armadale Castle are hugged by the most spectacular gardens, while an award-winning museum relays 1500 years of Clan MacDonald history.

Dating from mid-19th century, the ruins look out over a narrow bay, enjoying views of Moidart and Knoidart mountains.

The magnificent 40 acre gardens are a joy to walk around. Carpets of wildflowers and bluebells sit alongside 100-year old trees and exotic varieties of shrubs and flowers.

The informative museum’s six interconnecting galleries guide you through Highland history and the story of its most powerful clan, Clan Donald.

DON’T MISS | A visit to the beautifully restored café, situated in the magnificent Stables building built in the 19th century.

Location: Armadale, south Skye, on the A851.
Getting Here: Easily accessible from the Skye Bridge (approx. 30mins) and from the Mallaig–Armadale ferry (2min drive from Armadale ferry terminal). Also 16miles south of Broadford. There is a large free car park.

Opening Times & Prices: Castle, Gardens & Museum and the Stables café close for in winter, re-opening in Spring 2022. During the season hours are normally daily 9.30 – 17.30 (museum 9.45 – 17.00, café 10.00 – 16.30) Adults £9

6 | EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

Best Skye Castle for film lovers and romance

Surrounded by majestic scenery overlooking the Isle of Skye, sits photogenic Eilean Donan Castle on its very own island. Strategically located at the point where three great sea lochs meet, the forested Kintail mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

The small island of Donan and Eilean Castle are named after Irish saint, Bishop Donan, who arrived in Scotland circa. 580AD. In the early 13th century, the first fortified building was constructed and served as a defence against raiding Vikings.

In it’s long history the castle has seen many sieges and raids, been reduced to rubble and left abandoned and neglected for nearly 200 years.

Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911. He set about restoring the medieval castle to its former glory. The enticing causeway and bridge linking the castle to the shore were rebuilt and the transformation completed in 1932.

Graceful Chippendale and Sheraton furniture furnish the banqueting hall, while the barrel-vaulted billeting room ceiling is stunning.

On a sunny day, the castle reflects in the waters producing a romantic scene. In fact you can even get married here! Eilean Donan has starred in many films – including;

Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948)
The New Avengers (1976)
Highlander (1986)
Loch Ness (1996)
James Bond – The World is Not Enough (1999)

DON’T MISS | Wildlife spotting around the island where otters, birdlife, dolphins and porpoise are regularly seen.

Location: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, Highlands, Scotland, IV40 8DX
Getting Here: Take the A87 to Dornie, 9 miles east of the Skye Bridge
Opening Times & Prices: Check up to date times before visiting.