10 Facts about Eilean Donan Castle

Photo by Eusebius from Wikimedia

10 Facts about Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is situated on a small tidal island at the confluence of three sea lochs in the western Highlands of Scotland.

Located on a peninsula in Loch Duich, this stone castle is surrounded by water and rugged hills.

The present castle buildings were reconstructed in the 20th century by Macrae-Gilstrap.

The first fortified castle was built in the mid-13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail.

At least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.

Here are 10 facts about the Eilean Donan Castle.

1. Eilean Donan Castle is Named after Saint Donan

Photo by Shadowgate from Wikimedia

The Castle is named after Saint Donan, an Irish bishop, who lived on the island at the beginning of the seventh century.

Saint Donan, also known as Saint Donnán of Eigg, lived from about 550 to 17 April 617. He was probably Irish in origin, and probably of noble birth. 

He is known for his efforts to introduce Christianity to the Picts of northwest Scotland.

Saint Donan, together with 52 of his monks was later murdered at their monastery on the Isle of Eigg in Scotland.

He is very well remembered with several places named after him across large parts of modern Scotland

2. Eilean Donan Fortified Structure was Built in the 13th Century

Photo by Lukas von Daniken from Wikimedia

The first fortified castle on the island was built in the 12th or 13th century during the reign of King Alexander II.

 It was built to protect the lands of Kintail from Viking invaders, who controlled the west coast of Scotland and Hebridean islands.

The strategic location of the castle, in particular the tower house, gave  scots a good view of any approaching enemies.

By the end of the 14th century, the fortified structure of the Castle had been depleted by a significant amount, owing to the battles that had taken place.

3. Eilean Donan Castle Changed Hands between Different Clans

Many clans had a strong personal relationship with  Eilean Donan Castle, dating back centuries.

Over the years the ownership of the castle switched between those local clans.

The clans included the  Macrae clan, the Mackenzie clan, and the MacLennan Clan.

The Islands and Highlands of Scotland were the central areas upon which the majority of clan feuds played out during the medieval period.

 During these feuds, Eilean Donan Castle was often a target, and it suffered a lot of structural damages in the process.

4. Eilean Donan Castle Remained in Ruins for over 200 years

photo by G. W. Wilson & Co. from Wikimedia

The castle was occupied by Spanish soldiers in 1719 after a long protracted war between warring clans.

Spanish soldiers made the castle their army garrison with the blessings of their allies the Jacobites. 

They were later defeated by the Royal Navy of England, who attacked the castle with three ships and ended up capturing the Castle.

The Royal Navy left the castle in ruins, using gunpowder to damage Eilean Donan Castle from within.

They did so to prevent the future occupation of the castle by a foreign army.

Over the next 200 years, Eilean Donan Castle remained in ruins, before it was finally restored by a member of the Macrae family.

5. Eilean Donan Castle was Reconstructed

photo by Dominic Moore from Wikimedia

Eilean Donan Castle remained in ruins for over 200 years.

Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap rebuilt and restored the castle using the original plans between 1919 and 1932. 

The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge to give easier access to the island.

Macrae-Gilstrap also established a war memorial museum dedicated to the men of the MacRae clan who died in the First World War.

 Eilean Donan  opened to the public in 1955,  and it is a popular destination for tourists. It is the third-most-visited castle in Scotland.

In 1983 ownership of the castle was transferred to the Conchra Charitable Trust, established by the Macrae family to maintain and manage the castle

6. Eilean Donan Castle has Featured in Blockbuster Films

photo by Macieklew from Wikimedia

Due to the rich history and unique structural design of Eilean Donan Castle, various film producers have used the castle as their filming location.

Visitors may recognize Eilean Donan Castle from the silver screen. In the James Bond movie.

The castle was used as a movie filming location in the James Bond movie series titled The word is not enough.

In the 1986 film Highlander, the castle was used as the backdrop for the procession of MacLeod clansmen heading out to the battlefield.

7. Eilean Donan Castle is Connected to the Mainland

Photo by S. Lukas from Wikimedia

Eilean Donan Castle was without a permanent bridge for centuries. this was by design to protect the castle from mainland attacks.

After the castle remained in ruins for 200 years, Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap restored it in 1919.

The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge to give easier access to the island.

 Today the bridge is used by over half a million people who visit the castle every year from all over the world.

8. Eilean Donan is the most Recognizable Castle in Scotland

Photo by Herbert Frank from Wikimedia

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognized castles in Scotland.

The Castle is a Scottish icon and one of the most popular tourist attractions site.

When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year.

 located on its own little island, and surrounded by the majestic forested mountains of Kintail, Eilean Donan castle is a place worth visiting.

9. Macrae Family owns Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle was opened to the public by John Macrae in 1955.

In 1983 the MacRae family formed the Conchra Trust to care for the castle. 

The rooms within the castle are packed with information on the history of the site.

There is also an extensive collection of items that once belonged to the different occupants of the castle.  

It remains owned by the Macrae family.

10. Eilean Donan Castle is Open to the Public

The castle is open for visitors between 10a.m and 5.30 pm from 1st April to 31st October.

visitors do not need to their visit in advance as there are self-service ticket machines at the entrance of the Castle.

The gift shop remains open all year round.

Rucksacks and large bags are not permitted inside the castle.