Eilean Donan Castle

Located on a peninsula in Loch Duich, this stone castle is surrounded by water and rugged hills. Take a tour of the restored interior to see what life was like here and admire historical artifacts, then take a stroll along the shore of the loch. You can also see the castle on many single-day and multi-day tours of the region, which also include other nearby landmarks such as the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness.

• Wear waterproof shoes; the shores of the loch may be muddy.

• The castle is occasionally closed for weddings; check the website before a visit.

• Lockers are available on site for storing bags.

Eilean Donan Castle is located in the village of Dornie, which connects Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye. Most visitors arrive by car or as part of a guided tour that includes transportation from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The castle is approximately a 4-hour drive from Edinburgh.

The castle is open to visitors every day except for major holidays from February–December but is closed in January. Hours vary depending on the season, but generally run from mid-morning until mid-afternoon or early evening. The most popular time of year to visit is during the summer. The castle is occasionally closed for weddings, so check the schedule before visiting.

Visitors may recognize Eilean Donan Castle from the silver screen. In the James Bond movie The World is Not Enough, the castle was a secret MI6 base; in the 1986 film Highlander, it serves as the backdrop for the procession of MacLeod clansmen headed out to battle, and in the film Elizabeth: The Golden Age, it stands in for Fotheringhay Castle.

Yes, Eilean Donan Castle is open to the public. Visitors may choose just to admire the castle’s scenic exterior or go inside to wander around the interior rooms filled with period furniture, Jacobean artifacts, weapons, and fine art, and gain insight from the castle’s guides.

Yes, Eilean Donan Castle is suitable for families.Traveling kids can swing a claymore, spy through the spy holes, lift the cannon balls, explore the ancient battlements, and look for wildlife such as porpoises, dolphins, and otters. The castle offers reduced rates for children and family tickets.

Settlement on Eilean Donan dates back to at least the 6th century when a monastic cell was established on the island. The fortified castle was built in the 13th century as a defense against Viking raids. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built.

If you plan to go inside Eilean Donan Castle, you should plan to allow at least one hour to explore the interiors and learn about the castle’s history. Allow longer if you also want to visit the gift shop and café and get some good photos of the exterior.

The most popular photo spots at Eilean Donan Castle are just off the parking lot, looking toward the Isle of Skye, and from the bridge at Dornie Community Hall. Another good option is Carr Brae Viewpoint, a 5-minute drive away, which offers a view of the castle and Loch Duich.

Yes, you can get to Eilean Donan Castle by public transportation, although it can be time consuming. Citylink buses traveling on route 915 from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye stop at Dornie, around a 10-minute walk to Eilean Donan Castle. From Glasgow the journey typically takes around six hours.