Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
MacLeod Estate, Dunvegan House, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye IV55 8WF, UK
| +44 1470 521206
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, Dunvegan has served as the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for more than 800 years. Restored between 1840 and 1850, the castle features a unified exterior complete with defensive battlements running the length of the roofline, but actually comprises five separate buildings, each with its own story to tell. Tour the interior to see several beautiful paintings and important heirlooms, like the sacred Fairy Flag and Sir Rory Mor’s ceremonial drinking horn, then head outdoors to explore the castle’s surroundings, from formal gardens to wild woodlands. From here, you can take a 25-minute boat trip to visit the Loch Dunvegan seal colony, or head out for a two-hour fishing expedition to catch pollock, mackerel, and coalfish.More Recommendations
AFAR Local Expert
over 5 years ago
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Travel to the western side of Skye to explore the history of the island's most famous family. The home to the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, Dunvegan Castle is surrounded by the waters of Loch Dunvegan and five acres of formal gardens. Even to this day, clansfolk return to their ancestral home every four years from all over the world for a reunion. On a tour of the castle, you'll see some of the family's finest treasures such as the Fairy Flag, an ancient banner said to possess magical powers during battle.
AFAR Local Expert
over 5 years ago
Off the beaten path on the Isle of Skye
Located near Loch Dunvegan, this castle and grounds has been ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens is at the heart of the 42,000 acre MacLeod Estate on the Isle of Skye. A tour of the castle (no photos allowed inside), a stroll through the formal gardens or a boat trip onto Loch Dunvegan to see a seal colony keep visitors occupied for hours.
