The Dunvegan Castle is built on a rock headland projecting to Loch Dunvegan, and it has a Gothic appearance.
Dunvegan Castle History
The castle disguises a much older building, however, and parts of it date back to the 13th century.
The wall around the courtyard (which has a well and steps down to the sea gate) dates from this time.
The keep was erected in the 14th century, the Fairy Tower around 1500. Later additions date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
The present appearance is due to the alterations made by Robert Brown for the 25th Chief, Norman MacLeod, between 1840 and 1850.
The Green Room contains relics of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora Macdonald, Rory Mor’s Horn, and the Dunvegan Cup – a 16th-century drinking vessel given by the O’Neills to Rory Mor.
In the vaults below are ancient stones, the great sword of Dunvegan, and an exhibition on the islands of St Kilda, which belonged to the MacLeods for at least four centuries until the 1930s.
Dunvegan has been in MacLeod’s ownership for centuries, and the present owner is the 29th chief and noted singer.
The gardens are attractively laid out around the burn, and boat trips are available in Loch Dunvegan.
Dunvegan Castle Location
Address: Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands IV55 8WF, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided below: