Guide to Visiting Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye

If you’re looking for castles on the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle is the ultimate one to visit. I’ve got the complete guide to visiting Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye, including how to get there, what to do, and, most importantly, why you can’t miss it when traveling to the Scottish Highlands.

Table of Contents Show

Why Visit Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye?

Visiting Dunvegan Castle was one of the main things I wanted to do and experience on the Isle of Skye both because of the history and the famous Fairy Flag of Dunvegan. I highly, highly recommend adding it to your Isle of Skye itinerary.

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens is not only historic but magical. And you can really feel it as you walk around (not to get too superstitious).

Quick Facts about Visiting Dunvegan Castle

Cost: £16.50 per adult
Advance Booking Required?: No
Open Season: April 1 to October 15
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(See All Ticketing Information)

Author posing near Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye

Flowers near Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye

Where Is Dunvegan Castle?

Dunvegan Castle is on the west side of the Isle of Skye, about a 30-minute (22-mile) drive from Portree, the capital of Skye. The small Dunvegan village is about a mile away. The Isle of Skye is an island in Scotland, but it’s reachable by car due to the Skye Bridge near Kyle of Lochalsh.

It’s now free to cross the Skye Bridge — it once cost a toll in order to repay the debt it cost to build it, but that debt has since been paid off.

History of Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye

So much history has gone down these past 800 years at Dunvegan Castle. Both battles and festivities have occurred on the Dunvegan estate; it’s been a place of mourning as well as joy.

Dunvegan Castle used to be much smaller. The furnishings and interiors make the castle seem like a (very large) family home. It hasn’t always been this large, in fact it started off as a thatched cottage in the 1200s. Over the years, it has been built upon, going through at least 10 building stages, to become what it is today.

Dunvegan Castle has welcomed many visitors, famous and not. Dunvegan Castle has been open to the public since 1933, and many famous visitors have come by, such as Sir Walter Scott, members of the British royal family, and more.

Dunvegan Castle is (probably) haunted. As we toured the castle, one of the employees told us they believed it was haunted and have even had a ghost encounter late one night. See for yourself as you roam the woods and climb into the dungeon, where people have died. (The fourth chief of Clan MacLeod apparently had his two daughters buried alive in the dungeons for trying to escape the clan.)

A lot more history has occurred at Dunvegan Castle, so if you’re interested in digging deeper here’s a reputable resource with more information.

Interesting Facts About Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye

Dunvegan Castle is the only Scottish Highland fortress to be continuously inhabited by the same family for more than 800 years.
Dunvegan Castle is the seat of Clan MacLeod.
“Leod” means “ugly” in old Norse (who knew?).
Bonnie Prince Charlie sought refuge on the lands of Dunvegan Castle after the Battle of Culloden.
The famous Fairy Flag currently resides at Dunvegan Castle.

Author touching an old cannon outside Dunvegan Castle in Skye

What to Do at Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye

Tour the Interior of Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is a beautiful family home with many rooms and even a dungeon. There are signs to tell you more about the history of the castle as well as its architectural features.

Outside, you’ll see the expansive sea and the battlements along the castle walls and roof line. The castle was once a stronghold meant to keep people out. It now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

An office / library room inside Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye — Dunvegan Castle

View the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan

In the drawing room at Dunvegan Castle, you’ll find the Fairy Flag, a piece of cloth dating from the 4th century. It’s in tatters, barely held together behind the glass case, which is understandable as it’s more than 1,600 years old.

The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan is shrouded in legend and folklore. There are three main stories of its origin, but the gist of all of them is that the flag was given to Clan MacLeod from the fairies, and it possesses the magical power to give the clan victory in battle. It’s been treasured ever since, and is on display in Dunvegan Castle.

The nearby, popular Fairy Pools also reside on MacLeod land (though 24 miles away from Dunvegan), and are definitely worth checking out as well.

The framed Fairy Flag in the drawing room in Dunvegan Castle on Skye — Fairy Flag

Walk about the Dunvegan Gardens

The Dunvegan gardens are a more recent addition to the castle, cultivated since the 18th century. Be sure to explore each of the gardens as well as the trails through the woods:

Water garden
Walled garden
Rose garden
Woodlands area

We loved wandering around, imagining ourselves in a fairy tale. It’s truly a magical place.

Author posing in the greenhouse in the walled garden of Dunvegan Castle on Skye — Dunvegan Castle

Have Lunch in MacLeod Tables Cafe

The cafe is outside the castle gates, near the ticket booth. It’s called MacLeod Tables Cafe, open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 to October 15.

I believe the menu changes almost every day. On our visit, we had the most delicious red pepper hummus tartlet and sticky orange chocolate cake, served by a gentleman in a Scottish kilt.

Go on a Seal Trip

You can take a 25-minute boat ride to the Dunvegan seal colony, and get up close and personal with seals. No advanced booking is required for the seal trips; it’s first come, first served, and priced at a reasonable £12 for adults.

Since we were given only a little over two hours to explore Dunvegan during our group tour, we didn’t have time for the seal trip, but it sounds really cool.

Author, a young woman, walking around the walled garden at Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye — Walled garden

steps leading to a wooded area with moss-covered trees in Dunvegan Castle gardens — Woodlands

How to Get to Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye Without a Car

Option 1: Join a Group Tour to Dunvegan Castle

I found a group tour that didn’t just drive by but gave us more than two hours to tour Dunvegan Castle and its gardens and eat lunch in the cafe. Our lunch was a little rushed but overall it was just enough time.

The tour we did was Timberbush Tours’ 2-Day Isle of Skye, the Fairy Pools, and Highland Castles Tour, and you can read my full review of it on my blog.

Here are the tours you can consider taking to visit Dunvegan Castle:

From Inverness:

From Portree:

Tour Skye’s 1-Day Best of Skye Tour

Option 2: Take Public Transportation to Dunvegan Castle

From Portree:

The Stagecoach 56 bus route goes from Somerled Square in Portree directly to Dunvegan Castle, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. For up-to-date timetables and maps, see the Stagecoach website.

Author and her mom posing in front of Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye — Dunvegan Castle

Where to Stay to Visit Dunvegan Castle

I’d recommend staying in Portree. Portree is the hub of Isle of Skye, where the majority of hotels and bed and breakfasts can be found.

If you want to stay somewhere more remote you can check out other smaller villages around the Isle of Skye or even Dunvegan village.

Dunvegan Castle has various cottages on the estate that can be rented for a few nights, as well.

Recommended Hotels in Portree:

Row of colorful houses in Portree, Skye — Portree

Where We Stayed: Cuillin Hills Hotel

We stayed at Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, and I can’t say enough about how amazing our stay was. It’s a beautiful hotel with outstanding customer service. It’s a bit of a splurge to stay here, but it’s worth it.

We had dinner and breakfast at Cuillin Hills Hotel, and both meals were incredible. Both times, we were lucky to get seated right in front of the window looking out to the bay. It was an incredible view of the famous colorful row of houses in Portree.

Dinner at Cuillin Hills Hotel: Dinner is exclusively for hotel guests 6:30-8 p.m., so if you’re a guest, you’re almost guaranteed a table during those times, but you do need to book in advance. Note that there’s a regular dinner menu and a separate vegetarian/vegan menu that you have to request.

Breakfast at Cuillin Hills Hotel: Breakfast is exclusive for guests and comes free with your stay, but be sure to wake up early to be there when it opens so you can get the best table (in front of the window). No booking is required. See the breakfast menu.

Front of Cuillin Hills Hotel, on the Isle of Skye — Cuillin Hills Hotel

Breakfast table near a window at Cuillin Hills Hotel, on the Isle of Skye — Cuillin Hills Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions about Dunvegan Castle Isle of Skye

Is Dunvegan Castle worth visiting?

Yes, definitely! We LOVED visiting Dunvegan Castle and were truly in awe of this magical place.

Is Dunvegan Castle a National Trust site?

No, it’s not a National Trust site. Dunvegan Castle is privately owned.

Can you see Dunvegan Castle from the road, without paying?

No, you can’t see Dunvegan Castle from the road near the entrance. There’s a gate and a long pathway blocking the view. However, there is a viewing spot down the road, at a bend, near Loch Dunvegan, at IV55 8WF. The castle is far away at this distance and definitely not the same experience as touring it.

Can you stay the night at Dunvegan Castle?

While you can’t stay in the castle, you can stay in cottages near the castle.

What was filmed at Dunvegan Castle?

Several movies have been filmed at Dunvegan, including “Macbeth” and “Highlander.”

How long do you need at Dunvegan Castle?

You need at least 2-3 hours, preferably longer to properly enjoy everything and not feel rushed.

Why is Dunvegan Castle famous?

I’d say Dunvegan Castle is famous for its historical significance on the Isle of Skye, its beautiful architecture, and its Fairy Flag and fairy lore.

Is Dunvegan Castle still occupied? What family owns Dunvegan Castle?

Yes, Dunvegan Castle is occupied by the chiefs of Clan MacLeod. More than 30 generations of the MacLeod family have lived at Dunvegan Castle for over 800 years!

How old is Dunvegan Castle?

Dunvegan Castle is over 800 years old. However, the current iteration of the castle is not quite as old. The castle has been renovated and added onto over the years.

Can you go inside Dunvegan Castle?

Yes, you can tour Dunvegan Castle and go inside it. You just need to purchase your tickets first!

When does Dunvegan Castle open?

Dunvegan Castle is open for visitors from April 1 to October 15. During its tourism season, it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

How much is it to visit Dunvegan Castle?

Adult tickets to tour Dunvegan Castle cost £16.50 per person. You don’t need to pre-book, but you can on their website. Otherwise, just show up and purchase your tickets on site.

What should I pack to visit the Isle of Skye?

Warm, waterproof wear

If you’re visiting the Scottish Highlands during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.

This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped me explore no matter the weather. I even hiked to the Fairy Pools in near-hurricane-level winds in this jacket! Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!