Duart Castle, Isle of Mull

Castle near Isle of Mull

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Philippe Giabbanelli

Duart Castle, or Caisteal Dhubhairt in Scottish Gaelic, stands boldly on a rocky promontory overlooking the Sound of Mull. One of Scotland's most dramatic and photogenic castles, it is the ancestral seat of Clan MacLean and a powerful reminder of the island's turbulent past. The rugged stone walls, sweeping sea views, and windswept headland make it one of the top attractions in Mull, while the bluebell-filled grounds in spring add a softness to the castle's imposing silhouette.

Dating back to the 13th century, Duart Castle has endured clan battles, sieges, abandonment, and ruin-before being remarkably restored in the early 20th century. Its commanding position and storied past make it an unforgettable stop for anyone exploring Mull's coastline.

History and Significance of Duart Castle
Things to See and Do in Duart Castle
How to Get to Duart Castle
Practical Tips on Visiting Duart Castle
Where to Stay close to Duart Castle
Is Duart Castle Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Duart Castle
Nearby Attractions to Duart Castle

History and Significance of Duart Castle

Duart Castle was likely constructed in the 13th century by Clan MacDougall before passing into the hands of Clan MacLean in the 14th century. In 1350, Lachlan Lubanach MacLean married Mary, daughter of the Lord of the Isles, and Duart was included in her dowry-cementing the MacLeans' control of the fortress.

Throughout the 17th century, the castle played a central role in clan conflict. In 1647, it was besieged by government troops of Clan Campbell, but MacLean Royalists drove them off. Later, in 1653, Cromwell’s forces attempted to take the castle, only for a violent storm to wreck several ships offshore-one believed to be HMS Swan, whose remains lie in a protected marine site north of the castle.

In 1678 and again in 1691, the powerful Campbell clan successfully forced the MacLeans from Duart. The castle was eventually demolished, its stones scattered or repurposed for nearby farm buildings. By 1751, it lay abandoned.

The ruins passed through several owners until 1911, when Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, 26th Chief of Clan MacLean, bought and restored the castle. Extensive restoration works have continued into the 21st century to preserve the structure for future generations.

Things to See and Do in Duart Castle

Visitors can explore several restored rooms that reveal what life was like for Highland chiefs and their families. The Great Hall displays clan treasures, portraits, and weaponry, while other rooms contain exhibits on MacLean history and Mull’s historic conflicts.

The dungeon, built around the legendary medieval holly tree, offers a fascinating glimpse into the castle’s oldest foundations. Outside, breathtaking views stretch across the Sound of Mull toward the mainland and surrounding islands-particularly striking on stormy days.

The castle gardens are especially beautiful in spring, when carpets of bluebells transform the grounds into a sea of purple and blue. Walks around the headland provide stunning coastal scenery, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as sea eagles and seals.

How to Get to Duart Castle

The nearest airport is Oban Airport, offering limited regional flights, though most visitors arrive via larger hubs such as Glasgow or Inverness before continuing by road and ferry. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Isle of Mull on Booking.com.

There is no direct train service to Mull, but trains run to Oban from Glasgow, connecting with the ferry to Craignure on Mull. From Craignure, Duart Castle is just a short drive or cycle away. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is straightforward: take the ferry from Oban to Craignure, then follow signs for Duart Castle, located only a few miles from the ferry terminal. Parking is available onsite near the entrance.

Practical Tips on Visiting Duart Castle

Suggested tips: Check ferry schedules in advance to coordinate your visit smoothly.
Best time to visit: Late spring for bluebells; summer for clear views over the Sound of Mull.
Entrance fee: adult/child £7/3.50
Opening hours: 10.30am-5pm daily May–mid-Oct, 11am-4pm Sun-Thu Apr
Official website: https://www.duartcastle.com
How long to spend: Around 1-1.5 hours.
Accessibility: Some steep paths and stairs; lower areas more accessible.
Facilities: Café, shop, restrooms, and outdoor seating.
Photography tip: Capture the castle from the shoreline to emphasise its dramatic cliffside position.
Guided tours: Interpretive displays and staff provide insights into clan history.
Nearby food options: Café onsite; additional cafés in Craignure and along the coastal road.

Where to Stay close to Duart Castle

Staying near Craignure gives easy access to the castle and ferries. The comfortable Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa offers beautiful sea views and relaxing facilities. For a charming local stay, Pennygate Lodge provides elegant rooms in a historic setting. Travellers seeking a cosy coastal inn can choose The Glenforsa Hotel, further north along the island.

Is Duart Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes-Duart Castle is a striking historic fortress with one of the most dramatic settings in Scotland. Its cliffside position, clan history, restored interiors, and sweeping coastal views make it a memorable stop on any visit to Mull. It stands as one of the best places to see in Mull for anyone interested in Scottish castles, history, or rugged landscapes.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,627)

Duart Castle, the coastal stronghold of Clan MacLean on the Isle of Mull (PA64 6AP), sits on a dramatic crag with restored dungeons and state rooms and offers well-displayed interiors and informative interpretation; visitors note a large car park (no overnight parking), single-track access with passing places, forest walks from the site, and scaffolding sometimes on parts of the building. On-site amenities include a cafe serving freshly baked goods like cheese and seaweed scones and sausage rolls, plus a gift shop with high-quality souvenirs; staff are described as friendly and knowledgeable, and the grounds are well kept, making it worth a visit whether you explore the wood and exterior views or tour the rooms that are open to the public.

Fiona Hooker

3 weeks ago

"We visited on a Sunday morning in early December. We enjoyed viewing the castle from the outside and visiting the tea shop and gift shop. There was afantastic range of freshly baked goods made on site and lovely high quality souvenirs. The cheese scone was simply magnificent. Staff were friendly and welcoming. It was wonderful to be the only ones there. We’ll be back again in the summer to see the inside of the castle!..."

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MartyBlyth

2 months ago

"Been pasted it alot of the Ferry, we took the time to go in and example the grounds and building. The rooms that are open to the public are welldisplayed and alot of information. The cafe they have inside is also pretty good. Had the sausage roll and seaweed scone... would highly recommend...."

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Janice Anderson

3 months ago

"Single track road there with passing places. Large car park( no overnight parking), cafe and toilet facilities during opening hours. Stu inglocation, beautifully kept. Scaffolding on part of the castle at the moment. Also leads to forest walk...."

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FAQs for Visiting Duart Castle

It dates back to the 13th century.

Yes, several restored rooms and exhibitions are open seasonally.

Yes-it can be seen in the dungeon foundations.

Most visits take 1-1.5 hours.

Yes, Duart Castle is only a short drive from Craignure.

Nearby Attractions to Duart Castle

Aros Park, Tobermory: Forest trails and lochside viewpoints near the island's colourful town.
Torosay Castle: A historic estate with woodland walks.
Craignure Bay: Peaceful coastal scenery with wildlife and sea views.
Loch Buie Standing Stones: A prehistoric stone circle on Mull’s south coast.
Mull Aquarium, Tobermory: A small community-run marine centre.

The Duart Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Isle of Mull!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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