Eilean Donan casts a Scotland is really magical! has been built with the mainland. Read how the bonfire night is celebrated in the UK, the Tar Barrel Festival! [13][14] At some point in the earlier 14th century it is thought that the Clan Macrae began to settle in Kintail as a body, having migrated from the Beauly Firth, and there gained the trust of the Mackenzie lairds through possible kinship and an advantageous marriage. I have visited Eilean Donan … multiple times because of the attacks it has witnessed. A royal The constable refused however, and John's supporters laid siege. The cottages present an unobstructed archery butts] almost round. "[74] John Gifford, analysing the building against the Petit survey, notes a "fussy elaboration of what was probably plain originally, and an omission of decoration where it once existed",[75] and describes the interior as "a rubbly Edwardian stage-set for life in the Middle Ages". Eilean Donan, Where is the Highlander Castle and how to visit, Where [70] By 1714, Lewis Petit's drawing clearly shows that the castle was largely derelict, with only the house at the southeast corner being roofed. [4] At this early stage, the castle is said to have been garrisoned by Macraes and Maclennans, both clans that were later closely associated with the Mackenzies. But it is very beautiful. [71][72] Although the rebuilding followed the extant ground plan, the details of the present castle differ from its original appearance. [48], The castle is regularly described as one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland,[49][50] and is a recognised Scottish icon, frequently appearing on packaging and advertising for shortbread, whisky and other products. The hornwork comprises a pair of walls enclosing a triangular courtyard, linking the east wall of the castle with an irregular hexagonal (or heptagonal) structure. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date());
Macrae family bought the castle and dedicated 20 years of his life to re-built "[41] The naval force spent the next two days and 27 barrels of gunpowder demolishing the castle. Famous for its appearance in the classic movie of 1986, Highlander, Eilean Donan Castle is now often referred to as the Highlander Castle or Dornie Castle.
The castle is located in a small village of Dornie on the route going to the Isle of Skye in Scottish Highlands. I hope to go again! The Macraes mustered at Eilean Donan, and are said to have danced on the roof of the castle before setting out to the Battle of Sheriffmuir where 58 Macraes were among the Jacobite dead. the main reasons for the castle to be a perfect protective building. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];
That is also very cool that you can buy the flag after! [73] The clerk of works, Farquhar Macrae, is said to have based the reconstruction on a dream in which he saw the restored Eilean Donan. Since its appearance in Highlander (1986) the castle is one of the most visited castles in Scotland. [64], At an unknown period, probably in the later 14th century or early 15th century, the outer wall was abandoned in favour of a smaller defensive enclosure, around 25 m (82 ft) square. [39] Four years later, it was completely demolished, and, by 1912, very little of the castle was still standing. is home to plenty of majestic castles, each one of them depicts a different The beauty of Eilean Donan castle is unmatchable. The revolution also established Presbyterianism in Scotland, although the Highlands generally remained Roman Catholic and loyal to the Stuarts. William III, Earl of Ross granted Kintail to Raghnall Mac Ruaidhrí in 1342. Eilean Donan Terms & Conditions. Another beach to the southwest may have formed a second access. Perfect timing! . [33] The following year the Earl's brother, Simon Mackenzie of Lochslin, gathered troops for the royalist cause around Eilean Donan. a donjon or keep] upon a rock, with another tower compasd with a fair barmkin wall, with orchards and trees, al within ane yland of the lenth of twa pair of butts [i.e. [39], In the 13th century, a curtain wall or wall of enceinte was constructed around the island, enclosing most of the area above the high tide line. [23] In fact, only two people were in the castle: the recently appointed constable Iain Dubh Matheson and the warden. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. [12] Kenneth's young son Murdo Mackenzie supposedly evaded the Earl's attempts to eliminate him, and on the return of David II from exile Murdo Mackenzie was allegedly confirmed in the lands of Kintail and Eilean Donan by a charter of 1362 (of which, however, no trace survives to the present day). [76] Above this is carved the coat of arms of John Macrae-Gilstrap. They are so medieval and carry years of history with them. The beautiful lochs can be seen as far as one can see, guarded by in the area surrounding the castle. is a flag hoisting ceremony at the castle every Tuesday and Friday at 11 AM The movie had a battle scene perfectly shot at the castle. [11] In 1331 Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, sent an officer to Eilean Donan to warn the occupants of his forthcoming visit. Just reading this makes me want to buy a ticket and go now! [4], The castle was founded in the thirteenth century, and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan MacRae. Pinning this for future reference!! The castle Hope you enjoy your visit . [2] In 2001, the island had a recorded population of just one person,[3] but there were no "usual residents" at the time of the 2011 census. of Scotland. Situated on a secluded island where three lochs meet with mountains in It is indeed my favourite castle in the region and I have narrated the beauty of this magical place from my personal experience along with its history and visiting information. The enclosure was accessed via a sea-gate in the north-west curtain wall, where a small beach would have allowed boats to be drawn up. The ancient architecture is amazing! })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js');
. of the castle overlook the lochs, present some of the perfect scenes of [63] The tower measured 16.5 by 12.4 m (54 ft 2 in by 40 ft 8 in), with walls 3 m (9 ft 10 in) thick. Thanks for the tips! The Macraes began to act as Mackenzie's bodyguards, acquiring the soubriquet "Mackenzie's shirt of mail". Scotland is sooo beautiful! A small house was constructed within the southeast angle of the wall, with a circular stair-tower on its northern side giving access to the walkway along the eastern curtain wall. There [51][52] Eilean Donan has made several appearances in films, beginning with Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1948 and The Master of Ballantrae in 1953. It is my dream to visit this castle one day. [10] By the middle of the 14th century the Mackenzies are said to have been on the losing side in the ongoing feuding with the Earls of Ross. Would love to go back and visit the castle and learn more about its interesting history. the Highlander Castle were left abandoned and neglected until in 1911 Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap of [1], Eilean Donan, which means simply "island of Donnán", is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. The open-air Minack Theatre in Cornwall! His uncle, Hector Roy Mackenzie, attempted to usurp the Mackenzie lands and installed his own constable in Eilean Donan, Malcolm Mac Ian Charrich Macrae. [60] Archaeological excavations in 2008 and 2009 confirmed the presence of these walls, and also found evidence that metalworking was taking place in the northern part of the castle. [9] Traditional Mackenzie clan histories relate that Earl William sought advantage from the Treaty of Perth of 1266, by which King Magnus VI of Norway ceded the Hebrides to Scotland, and demanded that his kinsman Kenneth Mackenzie return the castle to allow his expansion into the islands. [63], The present castle buildings are entirely the result of 20th-century reconstruction by Gilstrap-Macrae, who commissioned Edinburgh architect George Mackie Watson to draw up the plans. [75], The castle is today entered from the south, via a modern portal complete with a portcullis. [25] Duncan MacGillechriosd expected to be appointed as the new constable but was considered too headstrong: the local clergyman John MacMhurchaidh Dhuibh (John Murchison) was appointed as a compromise between rival Macrae and Maclennan interests. [68] This led MacGibbon and Ross to describe the structure as a water tower or cistern. A major Jacobite uprising took place in 1715. Today Eilean Donan Castle is the most photographed castle in Scotland and a symbolic icon of the country which sits on its own little island at a point in Kyle of Lochalsh, where three lochs meet surrounded by the Kintail Mountains of the region. I want to be there! [70] At some point in the 17th century, this elaborate access was abandoned and a more convenient entrance opened in the south wall of the hornwork. Farquhar initially resisted, and despite interventions by the young Kenneth, had to be marched out by Lochslin and George Mackenzie (later Earl of Cromartie). [46] In 1983 ownership of the castle was transferred to the Conchra Charitable Trust, established by the Macrae family to maintain and restore the castle,[47] and a purpose-built visitor centre was opened on the landward side of the bridge in 1998. For around 200 years, the ruins of Scotland and specifically, Eilean Donan Castle have been on my bucket list forever! parts, the walls of the castle are 14 feet in thickness which has been one of Booking.com In 1650, after the king's execution, the Parliament of Scotland ordered a garrison to Eilean Donan. [67], In the later 16th century, the castle was extended eastward to create a bastion or "hornwork", providing a more securely defended entrance. Donan Cottage and Eilean Donan Apartments. I cant wait to go back and explore some more Moreover, it carries such an interesting history with it. I loooove visiting castles! Thanks for sharing these tips! Sitting on its own island, it overlooks the stunning Isle of Skye as well as the tiny beautiful village of Dornie. Note: The castle is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Alexander's uncles attempted to seize control of Kintail, but the constable Duncan Macaulay continued to hold Eilean Donan on his behalf. [58], The only drawing of the castle prior to its destruction was made in 1714 by Lewis Petit (c. 1665–1720), a military engineer with the Board of Ordnance who came to Scotland in 1714 to survey Fort William and other defences in the area. [20][22] John of Killin obtained a further charter of Kintail and Eilean Donan in 1509. The present buildings at the southeast of the castle reflect the form of the earlier structures, including the circular stair tower, but are larger in extent. The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived. either. [28] Christopher was succeeded as constable by the Rev. I hope you enjoy your trip . [26], MacGillechriosd's son Christopher Macrae became constable of Eilean Donan in turn, and held the castle during yet another clan feud, this time between the Mackenzies and the MacDonalds of Glengarry. Note: The castle isn’t very access friendly for people with view of the castle and are located at a walking distance, whereas the apartments Absolutely cannot wait, it’s been on my list forever and your post has made me more excited! Thanks for sharing. Today Eilean Donan Castle is the highlight of Scottish Highlands magical spell around, making itself one of the most romantic icons in the Check out Rentalcars.com for their best services at affordable prices! Also recovered was a yett, an iron gate, probably installed in the east door to the bastion, but now on display inside the castle. Very little historical evidence survives. In some The eastern and southern segments of this wall are largely obscured by later development, although the enclosure is assumed to have contained an area of around 3,000 square metres (32,000 square feet). £29.00. Great post! Sun-kissed, turquoise green water is guarded by th, Being at home now, I reflect back upon some of the, History of the Highlander Castle- The reasons for this change are unclear, though it is suggested that the smaller area would have been easier to defend. This structure, 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in) across, contains a well at its lowest level, 5 m (16 ft) across and 10 m (33 ft) deep. was formed for defensive purposes and have remained as the “Sea Kingdom” for Located in the Indian Ocean, this archipelago of 115 islands is a glimpse of paradise... Donnán is said to have established a church on the island, though no trace of this remains. This ceremony is done in style with pure The castle was almost totally destroyed in 1719, after which almost 200 years passed before reconstruction began. An argument broke out, which led to the garrison men being driven off with several casualties. and Boxing Day. [17] During his lairdship Alexander appears to have supported the monarchy against the MacDonald Lords of the Isles and was allegedly rewarded by another charter of Kintail in 1463. One of the prominent appearances of Eilean Donan Castle was in the movie Highlander in 1986. (function(d, sc, u) {
Glad you liked the photos. narrates stories of love. Eilean Donan is part of the Kintail National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland. Murdoch Murchison, minister of Kintail. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt [56] In the movie Made of Honor Eilean Donan can be seen as home of the groom's family.[57]. Glad you found it useful. His troops destroyed much property, and stole 360 of Farquhar Macrae's cattle, though only one man was killed. are looking for a perfect romantic accommodation, look no further than Eilean After a series of retaliatory raids, Donald Gorm learned that Eilean Donan was weakly garrisoned and launched a surprise attack. Glad you found it useful. Even if you’re not a fan of the movie, the castle is beautiful, rich with history, and definitely worth a visit. For reasons unrecorded, he fell out with Farquhar Macrae and demanded his removal from the castle. built as a protective system for the land of Kintail, against the mighty The portal gives access to the courtyard, the level of which has been lowered exposing the bedrock around the tower house. Donan is best seen at night. The main ceiling beams in the Banqueting Hall are of Douglas Fir and were shipped from British Columbia, Canada as a gift from the Macraes of Canada. I can spend eternity enjoying the view from the castle. More development within this courtyard took place in the 16th century, as well as the addition of defences on the eastern side. Following the failure of the rising of 1715, the Jacobites found new support from Spain, now opposing both Britain and France in the War of the Quadruple Alliance. which is the St. Andrew’s day. However, Highlander Castle is love at first sight. Eilean Donan which translates to the island of Donan dates back from 13th century. the mountains and ruled by the soothing environment. [10], The Mackenzie clan histories also claim (with little, if any, supporting contemporary evidence), that Robert the Bruce sheltered at Eilean Donan during the winter of 1306 to 1307; the castle escaped any other involvement in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Eilean Donan is indeed worth visiting. One of the destruction Above this were probably another two storeys, including a garret. So right in time! Against a pitch, dark background, yellow lights at (GMT) when the Scotland flag is being hoisted at the castle. Duncan MacGillechriosd of the Clan Macrae, son of the former constable, arrived at the start of the attack and killed several MacDonalds at the postern gate. James then arrested him, along with the other chiefs, on their arrival. opened during the working hours of the castle. A castle, so picture-perfect, so quintessentially Scottish in appearance it has become synonymous with the term “Scottish Highlands castle”. the castle make it glow, presenting a breath-taking sight to enjoy. at every ceremony and the changed flag is available for sale to the public at [38], In 1689, King James VII of the House of Stuart was declared to have to forfeit the throne, and the crown was offered to William of Orange, in the so-called "Glorious Revolution". The entrance to this smaller courtyard was from the east. Led by the Earl of Mar, it was an attempt to restore the exiled James Stuart, the "Old Pretender", to the throne. [18] Alexander died in about 1488 at a great age, and was succeeded by Kenneth Mackenzie, 7th of Kintail who won the Battle of Blar Na Pairce against the MacDonalds. Vikings. Moreover, there are Thank you so much! It is possible that the hexagonal bastion was roofed to serve as an artillery position. [54] It featured prominently in Highlander (1986) as the home of Clan MacLeod, was backdrop to a dance scene in the Bollywood movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998,[55] and served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in The World Is Not Enough in 1999. and is indeed a grandeur piece of architecture which has witnessed centuries of It is such a beautiful castle and the surrounding area is even prettier. ceremony with true Scottish vibe adds to the glory of this majestic piece of architecture. Eilean Donan Castle has been standing in the Scottish spots inside the castle which presents beautiful spots for photos. [58] Mapmaker Timothy Pont (c. 1565–1614) left a description: The castell of Ylen Donen is composed of a strong and fair dungeon [i.e. by tourism yet. furniture, Jacobean artefacts, weapons and fine arts. to wander through the rooms of the castle which walk one through the dark [43] The remaining Spanish troops were defeated on 10 June at the Battle of Glen Shiel. Standing proudly as the symbol of highlands in Scotland, is the Highlander castle, Eilean Donan Castle.Scotland is home to many majestic castles, but Eilean Donan is undoubtedly the best of those. Everybody If you Oh I love Scotland! it and bring back its former glory. Check out these tours to visit the Eilean Donan Castle along with other attractions of Scotland! After attending Edinburgh University and taking holy orders, in 1618 he was appointed constable of the castle and minister of Kintail on the death of Murdoch Murchison.