Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip
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From 79,18€ per person
Nestled in a fjord at the confluence of Lochs Long, Duich and Alsh, perched on a small island just metres from the shore, stands the impressive Eilean Donan Castle, at the centre of a remarkable paradox: it sits in a decidedly remote location, yet it is one of Scotland’s most visited and most photographed castles.
Beyond its sheer beauty, the reason is straightforward: it sits practically on the doorstep of the A87 road, which you’ll need to travel along whether coming from Glasgow or Edinburgh to reach the Isle of Skye. Consequently, Eilean Donan Castle is an essential stop on any respectable Scottish tour, so much so that directly in front of it, right beside the road, there’s a large car park capable of accommodating coach parties.
Eilean Donan Castle dates back to the 13th century: your visit will allow you to experience this distant era from the very moment you arrive, as you’ll need to cross a picturesque stone bridge that connects the small island where the castle stands to the mainland.
Once inside, you can explore nearly all the castle’s rooms, which were renovated in the 20th century by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap and his family, who purchased the island in 1911 and undertook a 20-year restoration project. The castle had fallen into disrepair and abandonment since 1719, when it was destroyed during a Jacobite uprising.
Climbing the steps to the main entrance, you’ll discover the Billeting Room, where you can view some of the castle’s most fascinating collections, alongside local artefacts and items from the MacRae family. You’ll see furniture by renowned English designers Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheraton, among the most prolific creators of 18th-century English furniture, as well as cannonballs, pistols and various military objects from the 1719 bombardment, displayed alongside elegant porcelain and tea services.
You can then visit the Banqueting Hall with its beautiful Canadian wooden ceilings. Weddings can also be celebrated in this hall.
Admission tickets are purchased directly at the entrance, with discounts available for over-60s and children aged 5 to 15, whilst entry is free for children under 5. Family tickets are also available for 2 adults and 3 children. Guided tours are not offered on-site, but you can certainly reach Eilean Donan with a private or group tour departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness, visiting the castle with a guide.
Before entering the castle, you’ll pass through the visitor centre, where you’ll also find a gift shop, café and restaurant.
If you’re based in Inverness, a guided tour is the best option for reaching Eilean Donan Castle. Several are offered daily; below are those we recommend, all with excellent reviews.
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the must-see stops on a multi-day tour of the Highlands, departing from Edinburgh. While more costly than visiting the castle independently, these tours are certainly more convenient and will save you time.
Eilean Donan Castle is open daily from 1 February to 22 December, with hours varying depending on the season, typically from 9:30 or 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 or 6:00 in the afternoon. Be aware that on certain days of the year the castle remains closed for weddings or private events, so we recommend checking the official website for accurate opening dates a few days before your visit.
As mentioned earlier, Eilean Donan Castle is located along the A87 road, making it convenient to reach by car; however, the distances are considerable. From Edinburgh it takes 4 hours and 20 minutes, travelling north on the A9, then turning onto the A889 near Dalwhinnie, before continuing on the A86 and A87. The distance to cover is just under 300 kilometres.
From Glasgow the situation is only slightly better, both in terms of travel time and distance. However, the route is entirely different, as you head into the Highlands along the A82, which you leave at Invergarry to join the A87.
Reaching Eilean Donan by public transport is even more time-consuming and complicated, although fortunately there is a bus stop right in front of the castle, serving both local and long-distance services. For example, the 915 from Buchanan Street station in Glasgow takes almost 6 hours. If you decide to travel by public transport, it’s worth staying overnight in the nearby village of Dornie, situated just a 10-minute walk from the castle, where you’ll find several guest houses, and continuing the next morning.
Eilean Donan Castle sits just south of the village of Dornie in the Highlands, along the A87 road.
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