The Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland is like a fairy tale location: Eilean Donan Castle was originally built in 13th Century (by the Clan Mackenzie and Clan Macrae) in order to defend the area from invading Vikings who controlled most of Northern Scotland between 800 and 1266 AD. Probably not their King though, Eilean Donan and Scottish Highland Scenery. By the late 1300s, the size of the castle had reduced to around 20% of the earlier size. History tells us that the huge original castle and surrounding wall, which encompassed the whole island, was built by Kenneth MacKenzie, of the MacKenzie Clan. It is near Dornie by the Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast of Scotland, approximately 120 kms from Inverness. At sunset with reflections and views of the Cullins. late 13th Century. By the 13th century, the clear views and access from the castle down the loch towards Skye and the Atlantic Ocean motivated the Mackenzie and Macrae clans to build their fortress castle there. Donnán von Eigg[1] hin, einen keltischen Märtyrer aus dem 6. Eilean Donan was our third castle after Stirling and Inveraray and they all were worth the visits! Even for shallow-keeled boats, the waters around Eilean Donan are not very deep and, as such, potential attackers would have to wade ashore, their woollen garments, arms and armour weighing them down before they even got close to the walls. The Capture of Eilean Donan Castle was an land-based naval engagement that took place in 1719 during the Jacobite rising of that year, and the War of the Quadruple Alliance.A British naval reconnaissance force of three ships attacked the castle of Eilean Donan on the west coast of Scotland, which was held by Spanish troops. Eilean Donan castle and silhouet tree under a dramatic sky during blue hour, twilight. Walking up to the castle. Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognisable castles in the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. English: Eilean Donan Castle, as viewed from the south-east at sunrise. The medieval castle on the small tidal island of Eilean Donan, heavily restored in the early 20th century, may have occupied the site of an earlier fort, though evaluations in 2008 and further excavation in 2009 and 2010 did not encounter any remains of it. Manning a vast castle was expensive and difficult, and a smaller building on a tiny island was just as easily defended — by fewer soldiers. Over two days the crews used 27 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the castle, leaving it a ruin — and this is how it remained for two hundred years. History of the Highlander Castle- Eilean Donan Eilean Donan Castle depicts stories of hatred, jealousy, wars along with love and desire. History of Eilean Donan Castle The original castle (the first fortification) was built sometime in the early 13th century and because of its strategic location, the castle was always considered an important part of defences. The island was the site of a monastic cell founded by the Irish bishop, St Donan, which is where the name Eilean Donan (Island of Donan) came from. Even if you’re not a fan of the movie, the castle is beautiful, rich with history, and definitely worth a visit. Scotland is full of castles, from the grand (and still lived in), to evocative ruins, now haunted by birds, beasts, and the ghosts of the past, there are hundreds of these historical buildings. A different legend states that the island was the burial place of the King of the Otters, whose descendants can be seen on the shores to this day. Eilean Donan Castle Scotland, or island of Donan, was not originally built on the islet. Description. In 618 the monastery … To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Eilean Donan Castle at Dusk | © Eusebius@Commons/Flickr, Otter (Lutra lutra). No evidence has been found of any early Christian occupation, but that does not mean it is not there, buried beneath the current thick castle walls. The castle lay in ruins for around 200 years until the island way bought by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap. The ships bombarded the castle for three days, though the defenders were well-protected by its massive walls. The history of Eilean Donan Castle. He had many adventures, travelling for many years, and over many miles, before returning to his homeland. eilean donan castle - scotlands most romantic castle. Eilean Donan has made several appearances in films, beginning with Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1948 and The Master of Ballantrae in 1953. The first documented castle was built in the 13th century during the reign of the Scottish King Alexander II. After a naval bombardment, the British government forces stormed … First castle built on the island possibly by either King Alexander II or III to help strengthen defences against the Danes or by Farquar II, Earl of Ross. Im Besucherzentrum der Burg befindet sich ein … Wenn Sie auf Tripadvisor buchen, können Sie bis zu 24 Stunden vor Beginn der Tour gegen vollständige Rückerstattung stornieren. Over the years, the castle saw expansions and contractions in its size. It is located in the Dornie region of the Scottish Highlands. Eilean Donan Castle history. Of the many castles we visited on our tour of Scotland, this is our favourite by far. Eilean Donan Castle. They all have picturesque locations but they are super different in the inside. When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year. Donan first served as a defensive measure against the Vikings open to.... 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