Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle Details

Eilean Donan Castle. Iconic fortified island with C15 tower and courtyard. Destroyed C18 and restored early C20.

  • Closest To: Kyle of Lochalsh
  • Access: Chargeable Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NG881258

Eilan Donan Castle is a 16th century tower house and courtyard built on the site of earlier castles dating back to the 13th century. Destroyed in the 18th century with gunpowder, it has been extensively restored and rebuilt, and is one of the most famous castles in Scotland.

The castle was originally a royal foundation and later held by the earls of Ross. During the subjection of the Lords of the Isles in the 15th century, claiming to be earls of Ross, Eilean Donan was destroyed and rebuilt to a smaller plan on more than one occasion, the central building being a rectangular tower-keep. In the 17th century it was garrisoned for parliament and an outwork added to support artillery, and during the Jacobite period it was seized by pro-rebel Spanish troops. In the bombardment the magazine caught fire, and much of the castle was destroyed in the resulting explosion. It was rebuilt between 1912 and 1932, with much of what the visitor sees being completely modern. Today it is the home of the Clan MacRae society, the restorer being Major John MacRae-Gilstrap and his Clerk Farquhar MacRae. It is open to the public for a fee.

Official Eilean Donan Castle website

HES Canmore database entry

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