Armadale Castle is a ruined country house in Armadale, Skye, former home of the MacDonalds. A mansion house was first built here around 1790. In 1815 a Scottish baronial style mock-castle, intended for show rather than defense, designed by James Gillespie Graham, was built next to the house. After 1855 the part of the house destroyed by fire was replaced by a central wing, designed by David Bryce. Since 1925 the castle, abandoned by the Macdonald family, has fallen into ruin. The gardens around the castle have been maintained, and are now home to the Clan Donald Centre, which operates the Museum of the Isles.
Photos from Scotlands islands
30 Things to Do on the Isle of Skye: where to hike, see views, and learn about history, Isle of Skye accommodations, where to eat on Isle of Skye, & what to do with kids on the Isle of Skye
Armadale Castle Gardens consist of 40 acres of lush—sometimes exotic—plantings, winding woodland paths, and giant 200 year old trees among ...
Armadale Castle Gardens consist of 40 acres of lush—sometimes exotic—plantings, winding woodland paths, and giant 200 year old trees among other things. The gardens sit on the protected Southern part of Isle of Skye known as Sleat (pronounced "slate"), which receives the benefits and warmth of the Gulf Stream. View from the edge of the gardens over the Sound of Sleat. The extensive gardens contain several beautiful woodland paths to explore. The castle and gardens are part of the 20,000 acre estate known as Clan Donald Skye owned by the Clan Donald Lands Trust. Traditionally, it was once part of the Clan Donald land of the Sleat peninsula. Although I don't have any photos of it, we visited the Museum of the Isles, also on the estate, which contained a rich and amazing collection of historical artifacts associated with the area. A replica of a Viking ship sits in the gardens. It is a symbol important to Clan Donald given their Norse ancestry. White fuschias. This nice sitting area on the edge of the gardens overlooks the Sound of Sleat. MacDonald chiefs began staying at Armadale from 1650, although earlier, the clan occupied castles at Knock, Dunscaith and Duntulm, all on Isle of Skye. In the 1700s the mansion at Armadale was used as a dower house for the chiefs' widows. Around 1790 a new house was built here. In 1815 this was extended. A fire in 1855 destroyed most of this section and it was rebuilt as we see it today. In 1925 the MacDonald family moved and abandoned the castle. It was cloudy and rainy the day we visited so it's difficult to see the castle in this photo. Click here to see photos of Armadale Castle from the early 1900s. Today Armadale Castle is mostly a ruin with little more than walls remaining. No one is allowed inside because of safety concerns. But visitors are allowed into the left side which consists of a romantic and picturesque staircase and window frames with vines growing over it. Weddings are held here. Part of the original mansion, from 1790, remains in good condition (below). It is called the Somerled Rooms. Clan Donald is known as the Sons of Somerled. The gardens contain many mossy trees. View over the Sound of Sleat with honeysuckles in the foreground. I hope you enjoyed this visit to Armadale Castle! Thanks! Vonda www.vondasinclair.com
Après sept séjours sur l’île de Skye en Écosse, nous ne sommes toujours pas lassés, loin de l’agitation parisienne. Nous avons résidé cinq fois dans une petite “old church” à côté d’un loch, tellement calme et reposante, achetée par un antiquaire qui l’a aménagée pour deux personnes… L’île de Skye offre beaucoup de balades et randonnées. Elle est surtout connue pour “l’Old Man of Storr” et ses légendes, monolithe géant de 55 mètres de hauteur, en basalte, site touristique le plus fréquenté, offrant une vaste vue panoramique sur l’île de Skye et des îles alentour. Le pont de Sligachan est également présent dans toutes les brochures touristiques, joli point de vue d’où se détachent au loin les montagnes “Cuillins”. Mais beaucoup d’autres sites sont à découvrir. Je ne vais pas exposer toute la richesse attractive de cette île, mais plutôt décrire nos lieux privilégiés. Chaque fois nous allons au “Neist...
Fáilte a Chur Roimh an tir Chlainn Domhnaill OighreachD
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Travel Guide to the Isle of Skye - Best things to do on Skye Island Scotland (on and off the beaten track) + photos + Tips + Isle of Skye Map
Armadale Castle was once the seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat, part of the mighty Clan Donald. It is now a romantic ruin.
Open daily with freshly prepared Skye produce from the land and the sea. King scallops, estate venison, mussels, pastries and fresh tea & coffee.
Our Gardens and Museum are open daily until 1st November. Stables Café open 7 days. Find out more about our opening times and prices here.
Armadale Castle Gardens consist of 40 acres of lush—sometimes exotic—plantings, winding woodland paths, and giant 200 year old trees among ...
Discover more details about Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum including opening times, photos and more.
The gothic entrance to Armadale Castle Ruin
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