Initially, nearly the whole island was contained by a wall, much larger than the current castle, and ensuring a solid bastion in what were the borderlands between the Viking Lords of the Isles to the west and north, and the Kingdom of the Scots. Booking Enquiry; Eilean Donan Apartments; Weddings. In Gaelic, ‘Eilean Donan’ means ‘The Island of Donan’, and this name refers to the legend that the 6 th century Irish Saint Donnán lived on the island for a time, before being martyred on the island of Eigg. After crossing an arched stone bridge, visitors may recognize the setting from such films as Highlander and The World Is Not Enough. Eilean Donan Castle Eilean Donan is the über-castle of the Highlands, perched on a rocky islet in a tidal loch on the road to the Isle of Skye. Arguably the darkest part of Eilean Donan Castle’s history is when it played a role in the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries. Folk-tales tell of the son of the Chief of the Matheson Clan who did this, and later began to talk to the birds! The highest point of the island housed the substantial main keep, and towers gave excellent opportunity to spot any encroaching Vikings, and fire down upon them. History of the Eilean Donan Castle. Eilean Donan Castle: History - See 4,311 traveller reviews, 4,329 candid photos, and great deals for Kyle of Lochalsh, UK, at Tripadvisor. Perched on a small island (which it takes its name from) in the western Scottish Highlands, it’s one of the country’s most picturesque sights.. Like the vast majority of Scottish castles Eilean Donan comes with a colourful history. Check out the pics from my visit! Widely recognised as the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan sits majestically at the point where three great lochs meet. Throughout the medieval period the Highlands and Islands of Scotland were the location for a series of clan feuds, with family pitted against family, and glen against glen. Here’s our wee guide to the history of this ancient stronghold, from its earliest days, right up to the present. No evidence has been found of any early Christian occupation, but that does not mean it is not there, buried beneath the current thick castle walls. No one is exactly sure why this was the case, but it does point to occupation of this tiny island stretching for perhaps 1500 years. It is possible that an early Christian monastic cell was founded on the island in the 6th or 7th century, dedicated to Donnán of Eigg, an Irish saint who was martyred on Eigg in April 617. See pictures and our review of Eilean Donan Castle. Although the trustees, Mrs. Marigold Macrae and Baroness Miranda van Lynden, have discretion as to use for special events and still use the castle on occasion, tourists are able to view the Billeting Room, Banqueting Hall, Kitchen and other sections as they are opened to the public. By this point the castle was not the building it had once been, with a surviving contemporary sketch showing that much of it had no roof and crumbling walls, the last Constable of the castle, Reverend Farquhar MacRae, having been removed in 1651. Churches were built in the area and it is thought that the Island of Donan was used as a Christian … The ruined walls of this castle have witnessed courage and valour along with hatred when the castle was initially built as a protective system for the land of Kintail, against the mighty Vikings. See more ideas about eilean donan, castle, scotland castles. Strategically situated at the intersection of three sea lochs, a castle has existed at Eilean Donan for over 700 years. All my photos of the Castle: external views-- courtyard scenes-- the bridge. In 1912 Lieutenant-Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the castle with the intention of preserving the ruin his ancestors had fought to protect. When MacRae-Gilstrap returned from the first World War, he discovered this and decided to allow the plans to go ahead. The first documented castle was built in the 13th century during the reign of the Scottish King Alexander II. Photo Credit Over the years the bounds of the castle grew from a small 13th centure fortress to expand to cover most of the island by the 15th and 16 th centuries, when the wall was also reduced. Eilean Donan also played a role in the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries, which ultimately culminated in the castle’s destruction… In 1719 the castle was garrisoned by 46 Spanish soldiers who were supporting the Jacobites. Eilean Donan er ei lita øy i Loch Duich vest i Highland i Skottland.Ho er landfast via ei gangbru og ligg om lag ein kilometer frå landsbyen Dornie.Eilean Donan (som tyder «øya til Donnán») er kalla opp etter Donnán av Eigg, ein keltisk helgen frå mellomalderen.Øya er dominert av eit pittoersk slott. No evidence has been found of any early Christian occupation, but that does not mean it is not there, buried beneath the current thick castle walls. Eilean Donan Castle History The Island of Donan was named after a 6th century Irish saint. The spirit of one of the fallen Spanish soldiers is said to linger in what is now the gift shop, with his head tucked under his arm! The history of Eilean Donan Castle. In 618 the monastery … Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful,The castle was founded in the thirteenth century, and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan Macrae. Framed Mounted Print of Eilean Donan castle is situated on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland. It is located on Eilean Donan, an island near the point where the sea lochs Loch Duich, Loch Alsh and Loch Long meet. It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year. eilean donan castle - scotlands most romantic castle. Partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 and proceeded to restore the castle to its former glory. What has been discovered by archaeologists is … Eilean Donan Castle History. Even if you’re not a fan of the movie, the castle is beautiful, rich with history, and definitely worth a visit. Eilean Donan Castle ist ein wunderschönes Highlight nach einer Rundfahrt auf der wildromantischen Insel Skye, der Heimat des Clan MacLeod. Tens of thousands of tourists visit Eilean Donan each year, and you can embark on a guided tour of the castle. Eilean Donan Castle History. This view from north was made at high tide. She was built in the mid 13th century as a fortified castle, for Alexander II as a defence against the Vikings, although it is believed She was first inhabited around the 6th century. Eilean Donan is one of the most-visited places in the Scottish Highlands and once you've been there, it's easy enough to see why. Robert the Bruce was given refuge in Eilean Donan Castle by John MacKenzie, Second of Kintail when he was being hunted by the English at the beginning of the fourteenth century. Pictures of Eilean Donan Castle and the Kintail area of the Scottish Highlands. Taking photos. Sep 19, 2017 - Explore Eilean Donan Castle's board "Eilean Donan Castle ♥ Internal Shots" on Pinterest. Not just thousands, but hundreds of thousands of people visit each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland. Eilean Donan has made several appearances in films, beginning with Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1948 and The Master of Ballantrae in 1953. From the get-go, the castle was hooked up to electric lighting, and even had a complete central heating system. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries. Eilean Donan Castle Scotland, or island of Donan, was not originally built on the islet. What has been discovered by archaeologists is vitrified rock — a common practice during the Iron Age, when the builders of hillforts subjected their walls to high temperatures and fused and even melted the stone. The castle has featured in several films, including Highlander as the home of the Clan MacLeod; and as the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in the Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough. This was Bishop Donan who arrived in Scotland at about the year 580. They had established a magazine of gunpowder, and were awaiting the delivery of weapons and cannon from Spain. The title of ‘most photographed’ could arguably fall to Edinburgh Castle, by virtue of its visitor-friendly location, but head outside the capital and this title is likely to be claimed by Eilean Donan Castle. First castle built on the island possibly by either King Alexander II or III to help strengthen defences against the Danes or by Farquar II, Earl of Ross. A project to re-harl the west face of the main keep will involve the building being partially covered in scaffolding and 'not looking its photogenic best'.. The castle lay in ruins for around 200 years until the island way bought by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap. Eilean Donan remains a residence to this day--however it is open to visitors. Over a thousand years before the medieval surveyor marked out the lines of the fortifications that we see today, the vitrified defenses of an earlier fortification encircled the small knoll on the island. Eilean Donan Cottage. After crossing an arched stone bridge, visitors may recognize the setting from such films as Highlander and The World Is Not Enough. Joanne Mackenzie-Winters : Eilean Donan appears to have been built on the remains of a Pictish fort, which were found during castle excavations. Eilean Donnain Castle is a very popular historical place. Taken by myself as a 2×6 segment panorama with a Canon 5D and 85mm f/1.8 lens. English: Eilean Donan Castle is a rebuilt castle at Dornie in the Scottish Highlands. Eilean Donan Castle Eilean Donan is the über-castle of the Highlands, perched on a rocky islet in a tidal loch on the road to the Isle of Skye. Eilean Donan first served as a look-out to warn local settlers of possible Viking attack. History tells us that the huge original castle and surrounding wall, which encompassed the whole island, was built by Kenneth MacKenzie, of the MacKenzie Clan. History of the Highlander Castle- Eilean Donan Eilean Donan Castle depicts stories of hatred, jealousy, wars along with love and desire. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland. Wir empfehlen Ihnen, Touren für Eilean Donan Castle frühzeitig zu buchen, um sich einen Platz zu sichern. Used in support of the Jacobite uprisings of the eighteenth century it was left in ruins following an attack by the Royal Navy in 1719. Eilean Donan castle is considered one of the most romantic and well-photographed castles in Scotland, and that title is well earned. Donnán von Eigg[1] hin, einen keltischen Märtyrer aus dem 6. The castle is located at the confluence of the three lakes of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. If pressed for time, ... Eilean Donan Castle, a beautiful placed castle with views for days, Scenic and full of very Confident robins. After a naval bombardment, the British government forces stormed … By the 13th century, the clear views and access from the castle down the loch towards Skye and the Atlantic Ocean motivated the Mackenzie and Macrae clans to build their fortress castle there. Today’s castle dates from 1912-32. Manning a vast castle was expensive and difficult, and a smaller building on a tiny island was just as easily defended — by fewer soldiers. The castle frequently appears in photographs, films and television programmes, The castle lies about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the village of Dornie. It was set up that way early 13th century as a defensive measure against the Vikings. A detailed history of the castle is given on my Eilean Donan History page. Eilean Donan. Eilean Donan Castle: History - See 4,314 traveler reviews, 4,337 candid photos, and great deals for Kyle of Lochalsh, UK, at Tripadvisor. Eilean Donan Castle has wowed visitors for centuries. The King was so taken with his tales and skill that he asked him to build the castle. The original structure dates back to the first of the 13 th century. Sehen Sie sich alle 55 Touren für Eilean Donan Castle … The medieval castle on the small tidal island of Eilean Donan, heavily restored in the early 20th century, may have occupied the site of an earlier fort, though evaluations in 2008 and further excavation in 2009 and 2010 did not encounter any remains of it. Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognisable castles in the world. Inside the castle, you might be impressed at all the modern amenities! The other clans who have held a long historical relationship with the castle include the MacRaes (the personal bodyguards of the Chief of the MacKenzie clan), the MacLennans, and the MacKenzies, with the defence and ownership of Eilean Donan switching between these allies over the centuries. history of eilean donan castle Eilean Donan island is situated at a merging point of three sea lochs and has been inhabited since the Iron Age. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. The defensive structure had existed already in ancient times on the rocky island of volcanic origin, washed by the water from Lake Loch Duich. Die in der Burg präsentierten Ausstellungsstücke dokumentieren die Geschichte der Burg, ihrer Umgebung und der Macrae-Familie. Eilean Donan Castle History. Eilean Donan Castle history. It is near Dornie by the Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast of Scotland, approximately 120 kms from Inverness. The island was the site of a monastic cell founded by the Irish bishop, St Donan, which is where the name Eilean Donan (Island of Donan) came from. Bought by Lt Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap and his wife in 1911, he spent the next twenty years reconstructing the castle to its former glory (with a few added perks like electricity!). Eilean Donan Castle. Eilean Donan Castle is ranked #4 out of 11 things to do in Scottish Highlands. By the late 1300s, the size of the castle had reduced to around 20% of the earlier size. St Donan lived there with his brothers. There are several vantage points for taking photos of the castle. Cart; COVID-19 ; Book Tickets; Contact Us Due to COVID our online shop is currently disabled. The castle is also nicknamed Dornie Castle (after nearby town Dornie) or Highlander Castle. Eilean Donan castle was restored in the early part of the 20th Century and it was discovered that the castle had not lain completely empty while in its ruinous state. The ruined walls of this castle have witnessed courage and valour along with hatred when the castle was initially built as a protective system for the land of Kintail, against the mighty Vikings. At sunset with reflections and views of the Cullins. It stands on an island where three lochs meet in the Highlands of Scotland.