Dunvegan Castle is one of the oldest Hebridean castles that has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of the Mcleod Clan for almost 800 years. The castle is a conglomerate of several building exercises undertaken from the 1200s to the 1800s. Dunvegan Castle was merely just a thatched roof overlooking the inlet of the eastern shore of Loch Dunvegan in the 13th century, now stands tall with almost five buildings joined together in a homogenous fashion that stands today in the manner it is.
Dunvegan Castle should be on your list if you are visiting the Isle of Skye in Scotland. A key monument in the Scottish Highlands. Read more on how you can plan 7 Days in Scotland
Dunvegan Castle History
With over 10 different additions to the castle buildings over centuries, the castle stands as an amalgamation of all of the beliefs of the Chiefs of the Mcloed clans in Scotland. The castle is maintained intact till date and has several curious artifacts – The Fairy Flag, The Dunvegan Cup, Sir Roy Mor’s Horn, innumerable oil paintings and castle treasures. They have lovely tours organized as well, taking you through the castle.
The fairy flag was a sacred banner that on unfurling in the battle had miraculous powers protecting the clan and ensuring its victory. Holding several magical powers, this flag has tales originating in the far east making it precious. There are several rumors on the origin of the fairy flag including that the fairy flag was gifted by a fairy to an infant Chieftain, a fairy lover’s departing gift to the Chief and well many more. A tale that coexists with the history of the clans having never lost their foothold in this part of the country. Stories like this that connect you to a monument in a faraway land, being privy to their past is a glorious way to appreciate what the monument stands for today. Currently, the flag remains in a very tattered condition.
Also, the Dunvegan Castle is the perfect spot to visit in the Isle of Skye on bad weather days as you can get a flavor of the Scottish Highlands and stay indoors. Read more on how you can spend 3 Days in the Isle of Skye
The reason why Dunvegan Castle is not just any other castle
I am a big fan of dreamlike castles and the Dunvegan Castle is a fabulous monument that withstood its grounds for several centuries. However, more than the castle itself, it was the very first time I caught myself more fascinated with the grounds of the castle and its garden than the castle itself.
The Dunvegan Castle Grounds
The Dunvegan castle grounds include a five-acre garden. There was no garden around the castle until the 18th century. The 23rd-25th Chiefs of the Mcleod Clan changed what was just barren mountain landscape into beautifully scaped gardens.
Driving past barren landscapes to reach the castle, you will be surprised that you can barely see the castle behind the woodlands within its gates. You take a left before the castle to walk into these magical lands. Tall thick trees envelop you as though you have just stepped inside a forest, walk a little further to receive directions – Water Garden or Walled Garden?
The water garden takes you through enchanting water falls and past streams that flow into the sea, so much so that you can almost hear nothing apart from the gentle flow of the water. Cross over the stream and feel the joy of being splashed with tiny droplets of water from the waterfall as you walk over to the other side.
The walled garden that earlier the castle’s vegetable garden has glasshouses, beautiful Tulip Beds, a Gazebo. It feels as though you have traveled back in time when you enter this garden. You can imagine royal families in their elaborate outfits and umbrellas walking by those gardens in the evenings with their courtship partners (Or Maybe this is just me and my wild imagination)
We then walked up to the Loch and sat by watching the mammoth of the castle rise tall in front of us. After seeing all this we finally went inside the Dunvegan Castle for a quick tour. The gardens had already stolen my heart in this one.
Entrance Fee: Entry to Castle & Gardens is 14 Pounds (1250 INR) and just the Gardens is 12 Pounds (1080 INR)
Timings : Open from 10.00 AM – 5.30 AM
P.S. Quick tip though, remember to step out at the terrace in the Dunvegan Castle overlooking Loch Dunvegan for a good view and to feel the gush of the winds attempting to literally blow you away.
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