Castles on Skye
Skye has a ferocious history of warfare and bloodshed, from the Iron Age to the Jacobite Uprisings and Highland Clearances. So it’s not surprising that the island has many brochs and castles along its lengthy coastline. Our must-see castle recommendations for things to do on Skye are:
– Armadale Castle: a romantic ruin set in a 40 acre herbaceous garden and Victorian arboretum. Once the seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat, this glorious former mansion fell into disrepair in the 20th century and is now best viewed from the sweeping coastal lawns overlooking Knoydart and the Sound of Sleat. Plans are underway to create internal access to the Castle, which is listed due to its architectural significance, but the excellent Museum of the Isles – situated just a short walk away – tells the story of the Castle’s heyday and the Clan Donald’s fortunes over many centuries. Make sure to visit Armadale’s highly-rated Stables Café and Gatehouse Shop. If you have kids, we have a popular playpark within our gardens. Armadale Castle’s Isle of Skye holiday accommodation, which includes six cosy cabins, one estate cottage and a heritage apartment, is the perfect base for exploring this peaceful part of the island.
– Dunscaith Castle: sitting on a rocky point outside the crofting township of Tokavaig in Clan Donald territory, the ruin of Dunscaith Castle was once home to a Viking warrior queen who beat the Celtic hero Cú Chulainn in a wrestling match. The castle is separated from the mainland by a derelict drawbridge, which creates a window above the sea looking over to the Cuillin Mountains. A beautiful spot for a picnic, or as many couples have found, a Skye elopement wedding!
– Duntulm Castle: a former stronghold of the Clan Donald, Duntulm is a wild and windswept ruin with incredible views to the Isle of Harris – and local legend says it’s haunted.
– Dun Beag Broch: an Iron Age hillfort built between 2,000 and 2,500 years ago, located near Dunvegan. This is one of the best preserved brochs on Skye, and with stout footwear you can walk right inside it.
– Dunvegan Castle: a stately home within an imposing fortified exterior, Dunvegan is the home of the Clan Donald’s famous rivals, the Clan Macleod. These days we’re on friendlier terms, and we recommend a rainy day tour of Dunvegan Castle’s beautiful interior, where you can see antique portraits and artifacts relating to Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora Macdonald.
– Eilean Donan: situated just over the sea on the mainland, Eilean Donan is so close to Skye that we’ve added it to our list of things to do. Restored in the 20th century, Eilean Donan (pronounced ‘ellen-don-un’) has become an icon of Scottish tourism. Open from February to December, this is a great option for off-season visitors.