Dunvegan Castle Isle of Skye

Dunvegan Castle is located on the Isle of Skye about 22 miles from Portree. It is one mile north of the village of Dunvegan. The ferry from either Mallaig to Armadale on Skye takes about 30 minutes. This castle is the seat of the Clan MacLeod and is reputed to be the oldest inhabited castle in Europe. Although the MacLeod family are the private owners of this castle, it is open to tourists from mid March to mid October.

Dunvegan Castle is famous for its many clan and family relics. The most famous of these is the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan. According to legend this is a magical flag that the queen of the fairies gave to the MacLeod clan in return for a favour. If they needed the help of the fairies, all they had to do was wave the flag and they would come to the MacLeod’s assistance. They were allowed to use the flag three times and it has been used twice, so there is one remaining wave. Today it is mounted in a picture frame on the wall of the drawing room and is in considerable disrepair. Some of the other sights inside the castle include a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hair and a pincushion embroidered by Flora MacDonald.

The Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye is the only one in Scotland that still has its original roof. It dates back at least 800 years and has been added to many times over the centuries. There are six major buildings on the estate and five of them are open to the public. A visit to Dunvegan Castle will give you the opportunity to hear some of the best Scottish pipe music in the world. It is reputed that the fairy queen also gave the MacLeod’s the gift of playing the best music and there is a festival held here every year with pipe bands coming from all over the country.

The Castle Gardens of Dunvegan Castle are open all year long. There is a small formal garden, where there are numerous rhododendrons. The gardens date back to the 18^th century and in contrast with the rest of the land on the island, they seem like an oasis in the midst of barren moorland and hills. You can take a 45 minute guided tour of the castle during the tourist season and you may be able to meet the owner.

One of the exciting side trips you can take when you visit Dunvegan Castle is a boat trip to the seal colony. You will also be able to see many different species of seabirds, such as herons and Arctic Terns.

Opening Times
The Castle is open all year round and seven days a week:
Mid March to end October 10am - 5pm
November to mid March 11am - 4pm

The Castle is closed
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day

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