Visit Dunvegan Castle On The Isle Of Skye

Scotland has become a favorite destination for many travelers in recent years. This is the case for many reasons: its medieval heritage, its natural appeal, the legends that surround its towns and cities, and countless other attractions. On one of its islands, in Skye, we find Dunvegan Castle, a magical place. Are you coming with us to meet him?

Dunvegan Castle, a place of legend

The setting on which this castle stands already seems to be taken from a fairy tale. It is on a rocky promontory and at its feet there is a beautiful lake, which adds that legendary and mysterious touch that the place was missing.

His story

This castle has been owned by the McLeods for more than eight centuries. It is one of the main clans of Scotland. It all started when one of the sons of King Olaf, who ruled the Isle of Man, married the legal heir to the Isle of Skye.

The exact date on which it was built is not known, but it must have been in the 13th century. However, over time it was expanded and undergone different modifications. In the 16th century, for example, a tower was added. And already in the XIX a deep remodeling involved the construction of three new towers and battlements.

The legend of Dunvegan Castle

The castle holds a gem: the Fairy Flag. It is a very special flag that saved the lives of this clan on at least two occasions after being unfolded. In the battles of Glendale and Trumpan she made, upon being seen by others, join the McLeods and emerge victorious. The troops were doubled!

But the origin of the flag has its own legend. It tells that one of the chiefs of the McLeod clan had a son with a fairy princess. But this princess could not stay in the land of mortals, so she had to return to the fairyland.

When the head of the clan said goodbye to his beloved, she wrapped the boy in a shawl with magical powers. This shawl would later become the famous Fairy Flag, the magical flag that protected the castle and its inhabitants. The bridge on which the lovers parted still stands.  You can see it during your visit to the castle.

The castle gardens

Although Dunvegan Castle is a wonder in itself, its two hectares of gardens form an idyllic landscape. They were built in the 18th century, from a small native forest. And although during the time they went through times of abandonment and others of splendor, today they are one of its greatest attractions.

This is thanks to the fact that in the middle of the 20th century, the then head of the McLeod clan wanted those gardens to be a place that everyone wanted to visit. Therefore, he assembled a team of gardeners to give new life to spaces that were abandoned and create new ones of equal beauty.

Not only plants and trees form the charm of these gardens. Here you will see waterfalls, ponds, streams and beautiful bridges that connect to the lake on which the castle stands. Can you think of a more beautiful landscape?

And on your walk it is possible that you will meet some animals that will surprise you. In the lake you will be able to contemplate the seals that live in it and that do not usually hide. If you take a little boat trip you will see them quietly. Do not miss it!

The visit to the castle

Dunvegan Castle is still inhabited by members of the McLeod clan, but some rooms can be visited. Of course, it only remains open to the public from Easter to mid-October. Outside these dates, group visits must be arranged.

On the tour inside the castle you will see the mythical flag that we have told you about. But jewels are also exhibited such as the clan’s motto, from the fourteenth century; or the Dunvegan Cup of the late 15th century.

As you can see, the Isle of Skye and its Dunvengan Castle are places to visit on any trip to Scottish lands. You will not regret it.