Duart Castle stronghold of the Clan MacLean overlooking The Sound of Mull and Firth of Lorne
The castle stronghold is perched on a rocky cliff top on the eastern most area of the Isle of Mull guarding the Sound of Mull where it meets the Firth of Lorne. For centuries the castle has guarded one of the most important sea ways in western Scotland, a base for the Clan Macleans sea power.
The Clan have been associated with the castle since 1367. After siding with the Jacobites and defeated at the battle of Cairnburg Mor (see Treshnish Isles page) in 1691 the Maclean Estates were forfeited and the castle fell into disrepair and became ruined for a couple of centuries However the 26th Chief Sir Fizroy Maclean bought the castle back in and renovated it from 1911 onwards and with help and support from Macleans around the world restored the castle to its former glory as a clan and family home. Clan gatherings are held every so often with kinsmen from all over the world attending for one week various events are held at the castle.
Today the castle is fully restored and full of grandeur of bygone days, retaining its cannons and still maintaining a magnificent presence as a major west coast landmark. Sir Charles Maclean the present chiefs
Cal Macs Isle of Mull passing Duart Castle Mull Craignure-Oban sailing
father became Chief Scout of the Commonwealth and Lord Lieutenant of Argyll, life peer and Lord Chamberlain of her Majesty's Household.
The displays in the castle are varied and interesting with many subjects covered and the sea and land views from the battlements are fabulous.
There is a small gift shop and an excellent tearoom with home baking.
There is a private castle bus service from the pier head at Craignure approximately three miles and you can drive there with your car.
The castle is open from Easter to the middle of October. Seaview bed and breakfast accommodation is 45 minutes from Duart Castle by car and the castle is between the Mull Ferry and Seaview so Duart is a good attraction to visit on your way to Iona or coming back from Iona.