Isle of Skye
Dunvegan Castle
About
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye is the home to Clan MacLeod and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland for more than 800 years. Inside, visitors can explore historic rooms filled with clan treasures, such as the well-known Fairy Flag, which is believed to bring luck and protection. The castle gardens are a peaceful contrast to Skye’s wild landscape, with colourful flowers, streams and woodland paths. You can also opt to take a boat trip to see seals in Loch Dunvegan - one of the highlights of any trip to the island (open from April to October).
Things to see & do
FAQs
The MacLeods have lived at Dunvegan since the 13th century, more than 800 years, which makes it the oldest continuously occupied castle in Scotland.
The Fairy Flag is Dunvegan's most prized possession, a tattered piece of ancient silk said to have been given to the MacLeods by fairies and able to save the clan in a crisis. Its origins are uncertain; it may date from as early as the 4th to 7th centuries AD.
It is. Dunvegan brings together deep clan history, the legendary Fairy Flag, gardens beside the loch, and seal boat trips on Loch Dunvegan. Allow two to three hours for a full visit.
Dunvegan Castle lies about 23 miles northwest of Portree, roughly 35 minutes by car on the A850. It makes an easy half-day trip, often paired with Neist Point.
Book a private tour and explore
Dunvegan Castle
with a local expert guide.
Tours visiting this attraction
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