Historically, the castle, like most in these parts, has had a rather chequered past. Originally built in 1220 by Alexander II as a defence against the Vikings, it subsequently became a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail (later the Earls of Seaforth) who installed the MacRaes as hereditory keepers. Then in 1719, it was destroyed whilst acting as a garrison for Spanish troops fighting for the Jacobite cause on behalf of the 5th Earl of Seaforth. Restoration work was only started two hundred years later and not completed until 1932. A detailed history of the castle is given on my Eilean Donan History page which links to a drawing and plan of the castle made over 100 years ago by MacGibbon and Ross.
This century it has become one of Scotland most photographed castles thanks to its picturesque setting on an islet in Loch Duich by the main road to Kyle of Lochalsh (gateway to the Isle of Skye).
In 1984 it featured in the movie Highlander with Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. In the Billeting Room there are 3 b/w photographs taken of the set during filming and these can be bought in the visitor centre. Other movies have featured the castle (see below) since it is so picturesque.
Click on "Show on map" button to see location of the castle
