Visiting The Scottish Highlands? Book Tickets To Eilean Donan Castle

It is always intriguing to visit a castle in the open lands, and the Eilean Donan Castle is the perfect destination in the Scottish Highlands. The stunning beauty of Skye and the western Highlands is here for you to explore in a guided tour specially tailored for you. This ticket provides you with a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with AC awhere you can enjoy stories by your driver and guide. This full-day sightseeing bus tour of the Scottish highlands gives you some of the best views in all of Scotland. Eilean Donan Castle is the most photographed castle in the country and this picturesque castle will be right in front of you on this tour. Drive past the famous Loch Ness of Scotland and keep your camera ready at all times for the mesmerizing view of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, and more. Owned by Conchra Charitable Trust now, the Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland has titles that are held by the descendants of Clan MacRae, even when the castle was initially a seat of the Clan MacKenzie. Know more facts like this in this tour, get your Eilean Donan Castle Scotland tickets now.

About Eilean Donan Castle In Scotland

What is Eilean Donan Castle?

Eilean Donan is actually a small island located where the three sea lochs, Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh, join in the Highlands of Scotland. The island is located a little away from the village of Dornie. A small bridge used for walking was installed to connect the island to the mainland in the early 20th century and since then, people have visited this island because of the beautiful castle that has been seen in many pictures, movies, and documentaries. This castle is the most photographed castle in the whole of Scotland. The original castle on the island was built in the 13th century and soon the castle became a stronghold for the Clan Mackenzie and also their allies Clan MacRae. The castle was built by Alexander II in the 13th century to fend away Viking incursions. The castle was destroyed by government ships in 1719 after Mackenzies became involved in the Jacobite rebellions in the 18th century. Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap reconstructed the castle in the 20th century and that is what you see behind the walls today. The MacRae family still are the Constables of Eilean Donan Castle in the present day.

Did you know Spanish soldiers that supported Jacobite risings were holding gunpowder and waiting for weapons from Spain in the castle? England soon found out about it and sent armies to the castle to take over. The thick walls of the castle were strong enough at first, but the 46 soldiers from Spain lost eventually. English soldiers used the barrels of gunpowder to blow up the castle. This Battle of Glen Shiel ended on June 10, 1719.

Donan, an Irish bishop came to Scotland in the past and be built a church on the island. The name of the island means 'island of Donan' named after this Irish saint.

The gift shop on the premises has mementoes and souvenirs available to remind you of the history of the Eilean Donan Castle. There are two words in Scottish Gaelic that mean 'island', 'eilean' and 'innis'. The word 'eilean' is more commonly used in everyday speech.

Eilean Donan Castle is famous all over Scotland for being the most photographed castle in the entire country. The castle has been seen in movies like 'The World is Not Enough'. You can see the castle from inside, however, you need a ticket for that. You can also buy gifts from the gift shops, and walk around the castle, which is said to be a very relaxing experience.

What is Eilean Donan Castle used for today?

The castle is part of the Kintail National Scenic Area, which is one of 40 in Scotland. The castle is used for photography, tourism, and even filming locations for many films such as 'Highlander', 'The World Is Not Enough', 'Entrapment', 'Rob Roy', and more. James Bond movies also featured this castle. This castle is one of the most iconic castles not just in Scotland, but the whole world now. Conchra Charitable Trust now cares for the castle. Doune Castle was used in 'Outlander'.

This coach tour of Eilean Donan and Skye in the western Highlands is magnificent in its own way and gives you spectacular scenery every step of the route. Witness crumbling airy glens, coastlines, and vast valleys in Scotland. Leave Inverness city on a tour bus and find your way along the Great Glen Fault Line towards Loch Ness. Explore the beauty of Skye and the Trotternish Peninsula when you reach Eilean Donan Castle. Check out gigantic vistas and strange geological formations like the Kilt Rock, Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing. See the Castle Moil, Eilean Ban, the Skye Bridge, and more on this trip.

In this tour, explore places like Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh, Portree (where you can have a meal or a snack at one of the restaurants), Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish Peninsula, and Loch Ness. Entry to the castle is not included in the ticket and has to be purchased separately.

What age is Eilean Donan Castle suitable for?

The tour is suitable for all ages. Children need to be accompanied by adults with valid tickets.

How long does it take to visit Eilean Donan Castle?

The total duration is 12 hours.

What's the best time to visit?

You can visit all around the year.

What are the opening hours?

The starting time of the tour is 8:00 a.m.

Directions, Venue Info, And Attendee FAQs

Where is Eilean Donan Castle?

The address of the castle is Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DX, Scotland.

How do I get to Eilean Donan Castle?

The tour starts from Inverness. Get to the pick-up point which is at Stance 7, Inverness Bus Station, Margaret Street, IV1 1LT, Inverness.

If you are travelling from London by car, take the M6 to reach the destination in around 10 hours. It is a distance of 569 mi (915.7 km).

You can also choose air travel to Inverness from any major airport in the country.

Inverness is the nearest train station which is three minutes away from the bus station.

Where can I park near the Eilean Donan Castle?

There is a car park at the castle.

Where are the toilet facilities at Eilean Donan Castle?

Toilets are available in many parts of the castle with two disabled toilets as well.

Is Eilean Donan Castle accessible?

It is not accessible as the narrow design and layout of the castle cannot be altered. The visitor centre can be accessed and has a virtual tour for disabled visitors. The gift shop and coffee shop are also accessible.

Dogs are not permitted in the castle. Registered assistance dogs are allowed in the visitor centre.

Where can I eat nearby?

There's a coffee shop in the centre. Some other recommendations in the area are Heilan Scran, The Clachan, and Dornie Hotel Restaurant.