Duart Castle is situated on the east coast of the
Isle of Mull near
Torosay Castle.
The name Duart comes from the Gaelic words "Dubh Ard" (black point).
Open in April 11am - 4pm (closed Fridays & Saturdays). Open from May to early October daily from 10.30am - 5.30pm. Gift shop and tea-room. Free parking and entry to the grounds. Limited disabled access. Telephone: 01680 812309
Weddings can be arranged here.
This castle dates from the 13th century and was probably built for the
MacDougalls. In the late 14th century, it became the seat of the MacLean Clan
when the tower house was added. The family left the castle in the latter part of the 17th century when they retreated to the Treshnish Isles. Subsequently, Government troops took the castle and held it for some years.
For over a hundred years it lay in ruin until it was bought and restored in 1911/12 by Sir Fitzroy MacLean. Duart Castle now houses much MacLean memorabilia. You can visit the Banqueting Hall, the Sea Room and various state rooms.
Upstairs is the story of the MacLean chiefs. Prisoners (models really) from the Spanish Armada are kept in the dungeon.
Artefacts have been found on the wreck of a Cromwellian warship which sank
in Duart Bay in 1653. The Swan was lost (possibly in a storm) whilst on a
mission to attack Duart Castle and the pro-Royalist Macleans. Identified 4 years
ago, the wreck lies in 42 ft of water and changes in the silt have now made it
possible for divers to recover various items. In August 1996 the binnacle
(including the ship's compass) was sent to a laboratory at the National Museum
of Scotland.
Full details and photos of this and more are available on the
Clan Maclean History site by Robert A. Goodson.
Also visit maclean.org.
If you would like to make this a day excursion from the mainland,
the Duart Coach Package
enables you to travel by ferry from Oban and board the bus to visit Duart Castle without taking your own car.
Tel: 01680 812309. You can get your tickets from the Caledonian Macbrayne ferry office in
Oban.
Alternatively, boat trips on the 'Kerrera' run from Oban directly to the castle jetty in the summer.
For news of events, etc. at Duart Castle, visit duartnews.com
The castle was used as a location in the 1999 movie Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
