Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This picturesque castle, built in 1220, holds the title of the most photographed castle in Scotland.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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8 within 3 miles
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3 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- ResizeLa Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland1,747 contributionsTo visitA very touristy castle, but worth seeing. Paid parking, paid entry, paid visit to the castle (but not obligatory). The view is very nice, as is the visit itself (small circuit in the different rooms). The castle is period, but completely renovated, with certain decorations, such as the kitchen. For me, the rooms are too modern, but different eras are represented. Shop with local products, snacks near the entrance or even something to eat near the 1st parking lot, you are spoiled for choiceVisited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 5, 2024
- Anna T14 contributionsBeautiful Grounds and SceneryFantastic views of the castle on a beautiful, sunny day in Scotland. The tickets to tour inside the castle were a bit expensive, so if you are on a budget, you can completely skip it. Inside, most of the decor contains pictures of the family of the castle's current owner. It was okay, but not worth the 12 or so pounds.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 20, 2024
- Andrew JonesLondon, United Kingdom683 contributionsPicturesque castleThe castle and its surroundings are a sight to behold and very picturesque. The inside of the castle is less noteworthy and entry is on the slightly pricey side (around ÂŁ12 each when we visited). Nevertheless, really glad we visited.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 4, 2024
- DobbyNashville, Tennessee334 contributionsBreathtakingWorth. The. Hype. The Eilean Donan Castle was breathtaking. To see a castle on its own little island on the sea was just incredible. We stopped and did the whole tour walk around and took many pictures. You’ve got to make this a stop on your trip.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2024
- David ACollado Villalba, Spain57 contributionsA walk through historyWhen it came time to decide which castles we would visit, we put this one on the list because it was in the area we were going to see. I only knew that it had appeared in some movies and I was not at all expecting the good condition it is in. Perfectly renovated without losing the essence of what it was. Now weddings are celebrated that have to be a spectacle. It is impressive to see the castle from the edge of the parking lot. Highly recommended and at a good price. I recommend that you take the audio guide because it tells many interesting details. If you are planning a visit to the area, it is a must-stop.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 22, 2024
- heklaranAkureyri, Iceland20 contributionsNice to see inside and out!Very cute and fun to see! Not expensive to go and you have options of no guide, audio guide or a tour guide! It is great and very nice to walk around and see everything, the whole place has been set up and feels lived in. Nice to look around in amd head to the gift shops, one is inside of the café and has food related items that are very fun to look over and try some.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 4, 2024
- Sandra HThompsonville, Michigan349 contributionsStroll around Eilean Donan CastleWe stopped by for a visit with our guide on the way to the Isle of Skye for the day. We decided to skip a tour of the interior, but instead walked around taking pictures and enjoying a visit to the gift shop. Definitely a place that you should arrive earlier in the day. By the time we left the parking lot was filling up quickly. Loads of tour buses too. But still worth time time even if to admire this iconic castle from the outside.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 4, 2024
- No S37 contributionsOur old wish came trueIt may be typical, but we grew up on the Highlander movie, so we wanted to visit here for a long time. Unfortunately, you can't take pictures inside the buildings, but it's also true that there isn't too much inside. But it was still great experience.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 5, 2024
- novelita13Nerac, France11,324 contributionsbeautifulbeautiful castle which allows for beautiful outdoor photos. Despite negative reviews for the interior, I personally liked it, rich in architecture and beautiful. photo prohibited inside. 12 pounds sterling entry and add 3 more if you want the audio guide in your language. nice discoveryVisited May 2024Traveled soloWritten June 5, 2024
- JFWhiteMoncton, Canada8,166 contributionsBeautiful Castle!Very interested castle to visit that has a lot of history. Very well maintained castle. There is actually still a family that resides here occasionnally, but their side is not opened to the public. Great jib restoring and upkeeping this beautiful place!Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Tash C
Glasgow, UK128 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
This castle is quaint and unassuming from the outside. There’s lots of parking but it does get full very quickly from when it opens. It cost £3 to park for a couple of hours.
ÂŁ12 a ticket for the castle gives you access to the entire building. Inside, the fully restored castle is amazing. It has plenty of memorabilia from the MacCrea and MacLennan clans and was really fascinating. Both inside and outside were well maintained. The inside of the castle is not wheelchair accessible though and some of the hallways are quite tight.
There was a cafe, gift shop and toilets on site.
Well worth a visit.
ÂŁ12 a ticket for the castle gives you access to the entire building. Inside, the fully restored castle is amazing. It has plenty of memorabilia from the MacCrea and MacLennan clans and was really fascinating. Both inside and outside were well maintained. The inside of the castle is not wheelchair accessible though and some of the hallways are quite tight.
There was a cafe, gift shop and toilets on site.
Well worth a visit.
Written August 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koldo K
Madrid, Spain2,667 contributions
Aug 2023 • Business
I was recently visiting this castle whose visit does not disappoint at all.
It is advisable to arrive early because the parking (paid as in almost all attractions in Scotland) usually fills up and to avoid wasting time, it is better to save it.
Tickets are purchased directly at the box office or from the machine.
They have audio guides.
The rooms are very well decorated and tell the story of life in the castle.
It was the castle where numerous films were filmed.
The reflection of the castle in the water is impressive.
There is a page where you can see the surveillance cameras that focus on the castle and which has a delay of approximately one minute.
It is not allowed to carry backpacks inside the castle.!!
You can also visit the area around the building, but be careful as it is moss and slippery...
Greetings
It is advisable to arrive early because the parking (paid as in almost all attractions in Scotland) usually fills up and to avoid wasting time, it is better to save it.
Tickets are purchased directly at the box office or from the machine.
They have audio guides.
The rooms are very well decorated and tell the story of life in the castle.
It was the castle where numerous films were filmed.
The reflection of the castle in the water is impressive.
There is a page where you can see the surveillance cameras that focus on the castle and which has a delay of approximately one minute.
It is not allowed to carry backpacks inside the castle.!!
You can also visit the area around the building, but be careful as it is moss and slippery...
Greetings

Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DadandCab
Coffs Harbour, Australia1,328 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
A spectacular location, well worth a visit. The castle grounds and the building are relatively small so its best to try and avoid busy times as the rooms can get quite full of people. There is some history and background, public rooms, bedrooms and kitchens on display. For a smaller fee you can roam the gardens and bridge without going in. Its also an easy walk from the small township of Dornie where there’s a couple of pubs for before or after visit refreshment although there is a cafe and shop at the castle. Last entrance in through the castle doors is 5pm.
Written June 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica O
7 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Beautiful castle but I recommend the site start using timed entries. Way too many people in very small rooms. Couldn’t read the information and felt very rushed. Car park is also chaotic, would recommend implementing a one-way in/put system, especially since you must pay an additional fee to park.
Written September 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leone L
Siena, Italy24 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Castle located in a very scenic and really beautiful location. However, the structure was almost entirely rebuilt around the 1920s. The interior shows the relics of the family that bought the ruin and then renovated it and still lives there in a portion of the castle. The full visit costs ÂŁ12 + 3 of parking + 3 of audio guide. This price is not worth it. I would suggest taking a quick tour from the outside and enjoying the view of the lakes and castle
Automatically translated
Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim P
Dubai, United Arab Emirates179 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It’s a scam. Fake castle. No toilets. Rude staff. Charging people £3 to park at 4.59pm when it’s free after 5pm. Putting up car park full sign at 5pm because they dont like people parking for free. Avoid like the plague.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Klaus-Dieter de Marné
Grafing, Germany5,717 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Eilean Donan Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a lowland castle near Dornie, a small village in Scotland. The name itself means “Donan’s Island” and refers to the St. Donnán von Eigg, a Celtic martyr from the 6th century. ==References== Eilean Donan Castle is located on Loch Duich in the western Scottish Highlands. The castle is located on a small headland, which becomes a tiny tidal island at high tide. It can then only be reached by a stone footbridge. The castle is the ancestral home of the Scottish clan of the Macrae.
Disney Land is a .. against. Expensive admission incl. parking (if you could get one ..), long lines in front of the ticket office, busloads with noisy tourists from all over the world. Pictures taken from the outside - continued.
Disney Land is a .. against. Expensive admission incl. parking (if you could get one ..), long lines in front of the ticket office, busloads with noisy tourists from all over the world. Pictures taken from the outside - continued.
Automatically translated
Written September 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gs450qpa
Muirhead, UK69 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Castle and surrounding land is picture perfect with ample pay and display parking.
There is a couple of great wee tourist shops and a cafe to eat in serving hot and cold food which was quite expensive but it is a much visited tourist spot so this is to be expected.
Really disappointed that on arrival I saw the sign saying “cash only” especially as there is no ATM on sight. This unfortunately meant no visit to the castle itself. I saw a few people turning away for the same reason.
I did cross the bridge after 6pm for free and walked around the castle grounds which were impressive.
A real shame you can’t pay by card, especially these days that’s quite unusual.
There is a couple of great wee tourist shops and a cafe to eat in serving hot and cold food which was quite expensive but it is a much visited tourist spot so this is to be expected.
Really disappointed that on arrival I saw the sign saying “cash only” especially as there is no ATM on sight. This unfortunately meant no visit to the castle itself. I saw a few people turning away for the same reason.
I did cross the bridge after 6pm for free and walked around the castle grounds which were impressive.
A real shame you can’t pay by card, especially these days that’s quite unusual.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim S
75 contributions
May 2024 • Family
A well known castle which in reality is a huge disappointment. It’s incredibly expensive to visit. A walk around the exterior costs over £3 and takes a few minutes if done slowly. The cost if entry to the building is £12 for an adult! It’s effectively a castle rebuilt in the 20th century (including pebble dashing). Oh and what you don’t see in the pictures is the visitor centre full of the usual tacky tartan crud. Save your money and visit a proper castle.
Written May 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana S
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
If you’re not a MacRae there is literally NO point in paying money to go inside. Their family photos from like, the last 30 years are literally all over the place. Truly nothing to see inside. Get your pics from the outside and move on.
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, are you able to cross the bridge to get closer to the castle without needing to pay to enter the castle? In other words, do you pay to enter the structure or to enter the property?
Written January 3, 2023
Nope, not without a ticket. That is the cheapest ticket that you can buy - it will get you across the bridge.
Written January 6, 2023
I’ll be staying in Portree, is is possible to ride a bus 927 then stop in the castle? And what bus stop? And If so, is it possible to leave a luggage? Thanks
Written August 6, 2022
There is a bus stop at Eilean Donan but sorry not sure if the number. Lockers are available it not sure you would get a big suitcase in, maybe small hand luggage.
Enjoy your trip.
Written August 7, 2022
I will be visiting in November 2022. I am interested in taking photos from the outside. Is the castle parking lot open in November, and is it possible to walk around the castle even though it is not open for tours?
Written March 7, 2022
Why isn't there a booking page on the site? Is it closed? Do I have to ring? I need a specific slot
Written March 6, 2022
Hi, Do you have to buy tickets pre-visit? Or can they be bought on arrival. I can’t seem to find where to book them on the website and am guessing due to covid restrictions that you have to buy them before visiting. Thanks
Written August 16, 2020
Tickets must be bought online but we did it at the castle. Luckily there were still some times available when we arrived. Times are well spaced to allow for social distancing so you practically tour the castle on your own.
Written August 25, 2020
How can I get to the castle from Kyle of Locklash on public transport? Thanks
Written November 6, 2019
There is a bus from Kyle of lochaish, you pick it up at the harbour slipway to dornie, bridge road end which is the fastest and cheapest option and takes around 14 minutes and the average price is ÂŁ4
Written November 7, 2019
Hi, we will not make it in before it's closed on the 1st day that we arrive from Inverness. We plan to visit the castle on the second day. But our route to the hotel is passing the castle anyway, was wondering if it's possible to access the parking space and then take pictures of the castle and the landscape from outside after the visit hours?
Thank you so much!
Written August 12, 2019
Unfortunately I am not too sure if the car park or area can be accessed after visit hours, i.e extent of closure. However you can get a view from the nearby bridge - great view, assuming you can stop at a safe spot. You can also walk down from the road to to bridge ( entrance to the castle ) and view the castle and surroundings. It is beautiful.
Written August 12, 2019
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