Castles on Islay
Islay is a beautiful Scottish island, steeped in history. If you’re interested in Scottish history and architecture, there are a few castles on Islay. Dunyvaig and Finlaggan are the most well-known, but there are others too. Look out for them on your next stay with us.
Dunyvaig Castle
The ruins of Dunyvaig Castle are located near Port Ellen, on the shore of Lagavulin Bay. Once a coastal defence for the chiefs of Clan MacDonald, who held the title of Lord of the Isles. Built upon a pre-historic fort, the surviving remains date from the 13th to 16th century. Islay Heritage recently completed a major excavation on the site and you can find out more about the project here. This is a great place to visit for wonderful views across the bay and of Lagavulin Distillery. You can access the site from the Three Distilleries Pathway, but do take care when leaving the pathway.
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Finlaggan Castle or Eilean Mòr Castle was a fortified house on the island of Eilean Mór in Loch Finlaggan. Again, a stronghold of the MacDonalds, with ruins dating from the 13th century. You can visit Finlaggan near Ballygrant village and there is a Visitor Centre open in the summer months, where you can learn more about this historical site.
Loch Gorm Castle
Loch Gorm Castle was also a fortress for Clan MacDonald. It lies in ruins on a small island in Loch Gorm. The surviving ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries and are in a decayed and overgrown state. And although you can not visit them, you can see them from the south east shore of the loch. Loch Gorm is the largest fresh water loch on Islay and is popular for trout fishing.
Kildalton Castle
Kildalton Castle was a large stately home completed in 1870 for the distiller John Ramsay and his family. Situated in woodland near Ardbeg, the abandoned property is now in ruins. However, the building looks largely in tact from the outside and you might be able to spot it from the surrounding hills.
Dunlossit House/Castle
Dunlossit House or Castle is a beautiful stately home in the north east of Islay, near Port Askaig. It overlooks the Sound of Islay from an elevated position, giving spectacular views. The house is still lived-in and not open to the public, but you can visit the Dunlossit Estate for fishing and outdoor activities.
Discover more about Islay’s History
Stay with us in Islay and learn more about our island’s deep and fascinating history. We offer wonderful accommodation, perfect for a Scottish history break. Our homely range of accommodation makes a perfect base for you to explore from. Plus, all our guests receive 10% off at Peatzeria, our popular Islay pizza restaurant. Get in touch with us today on 07880 706 356 or contact us online.
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Everything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.
The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)
There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.
Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.
