Dunyvaig Castle Ruins, Islay, United Kingdom

Dunyvaig Castle was built on top of an ancient fort or dun in the 12th century. Forfeited in 1493, the castle passed to the MacIans of Ardnamurchan. Afterwards the castle was leased to the MacDonalds, then the Campbells and back to the MacDonalds.

In the 17th century Dunyvaig was conquered several times by the English and Scottish armies. The castle was seized in 1647 by the Covenanters and passed into the hands of the Campbells of Cawdor, who held it until 1677, when Sir Hugh Campbell pulled down the castle and moved to Islay House.

Today all that remains of the castle are mainly the ruins of the sixteenth-century castle, although the site includes a thirteenth-century courtyard, and a fifteenth-century keep.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Matthew Thomas (12 months ago)
A charming old rustic castle! It’s a short walk getting here, and you may have to not have a fear of heights to actually get to the castle ruins themselves as there are some sharp drop offs right next to the path. Provides an excellent view of the Lagavulin distillery! Definitely worth visiting if you like old castle ruins, smelling the fresh ocean air, and living a little dangerously. :D

Kai Unbekannt (15 months ago)
Nice views to Lagavulin distillery and the sea.

Hanno Endres (15 months ago)
An impressive historic place that Looks brillant day and nicht - worth a (quick) stop, If you come along (or stay nearby)

MAX's Life In Motion (4 years ago)
I never expected there is an old castle here. Nice to hike around this area.

Dougie Mac Taggart (4 years ago)
This ruined castle at one time served as the naval fortress for the Lords of the Isles, a noble elite of the Clan Donald that ruled the western seaboard of Scotland, much of Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man until the late-15th century. Their fleet of single-masted galleys, called Birlinns, were harboured in Lagavulin Bay and their warrior crewmen were garrisoned near the castle.

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The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

Dunyvaig Castle Ruins

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