Duart Castle
Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Photo: Worldfootage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: PaulT (Gunther Tschuch), CC BY-SA 4.0 · PaulT (Gunther Tschuch), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Clan Maclean (Maclean family)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Oban, 7.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Seasonal Apr-Oct; Isle of Mull
Pinpoint
Isle of Mull PA64 6AP
Telephone 01680 812309
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
The ancestral seat of Clan Maclean on the Isle of Mull, restored in the early 20th century after centuries as a roofless ruin and still home to the clan chief's family today. Reviewers rate the exhibits and the dining room highly, and the castle's position above the Sound of Mull makes it a landmark even for those who only see it from the Oban ferry.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The restoration story itself - reviewers say learning how the family brought a roofless ruin back to a lived-in home is as compelling as the exhibits.
Before you go
Mind the spiral staircases if mobility is a concern - reviewers flag that while one is manageable, the second is notably narrow - and note the castle is seasonal, open only April to October.
What visitors say
Duart Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 1,740 Google reviews
Visitors consistently praise Duart Castle's restoration and museum-like exhibits, along with its clan history and coastal views, and the on-site tea shop and gift shop (particularly the baked goods) come up repeatedly.
One recurring practical note: one of the spiral staircases is quite narrow and could be difficult for visitors with mobility issues.
“Lovely castle for a fair admission. Beautiful views around. I love learning about the reconstruction of the castle, the history, and about the family currently residing! Worth the trip.”- Larissa Nooyen, visitor review
Weddings at Duart Castle
Duart Castle is on our wedding roll because Clan Maclean (Maclean family) mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Scotland, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
13th century
Built by Clan MacDougall in the 13th century, Duart became the stronghold of Clan MacLean through marriage in 1350. The Campbells besieged and damaged it in 1691, leaving it a ruin for over two centuries. Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, the 26th Clan Chief, restored it to its current form in 1911.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “We enjoyed viewing the castle from the outside and visiting the tea shop and gift shop.” - Fiona Hooker
Common questions about Duart Castle
Where is Duart Castle?
Duart Castle is in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, at Isle of Mull PA64 6AP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Duart Castle?
Yes - Duart Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Clan Maclean (Maclean family). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Duart Castle?
The restoration story itself - reviewers say learning how the family brought a roofless ruin back to a lived-in home is as compelling as the exhibits.
Is Duart Castle a ruin or still intact?
Duart Castle is largely intact - Seasonal Apr-Oct; Isle of Mull.
