Dunstaffnage Castle is an impressive fortress comprising a curtain wall built on a solid boss.
Dunstaffnage Castle History
A steep stair and wooden platform lead to the entrance door, with a passageway into the courtyard. The gatehouse dates from c.1500, and the upper floors were added c.1600.
This block is still roofed, being restored in 1903, and the first-floor hall contains a display on Argyll castles. The dormers were taken from a later house built in 1725, with the initials being Angus and Lilias Campbell.
Two round towers are located at the north and west corners of the court, the western one containing a prison.
The 1725 house is located between them. It has a large fireplace in the kitchen and two decorative fire-surrounds on the floor (missing) above. In the courtyard is a large well, hewn from solid rock.
A modern stair leads to the wellhead, and the battlements afford views of the Firth of Lorn.
The MacDougalls built the original castle which dates from the 13th century. They were defeated in 1309 by Robert the Bruce and he granted the castle to the Campbells.
The castle passed back to the MacDougalls, then to the Stewarts of Lorn and the Campbells again in 1470, who retained it until 1958 when it was taken into state care.
Dunstaffnage Castle Location
Dunstaffnage Castle Address: Dunstaffnage Mains Farm, Dunbeg, Oban PA37 1PZ. Get help with directions using the map provided below: