Dunollie Castle

Dunollie Castle stands on a hill north of Oban, a small ruined castle with views over the town, harbour and outlying isles. The site overlooks the island of Kerrera and the surrounding Argyll landscape. It is part of the Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds, open to visitors. The ruins date largely from the 15th century. Excavations show earlier fortifications from the early Middle Ages. The castle was once the royal centre of the Cenél Loairn in the kingdom of Dál Riata. Irish annals record it was attacked or burned down three times in the late 7th and early 8th centuries. It was rebuilt in 714 by Selbach mac Ferchair, King of Dál Riata. The MacDougalls later became Lords of Lorne after Somerled’s death in the 12th century. The site was refortified in the 13th century, possibly by Dougall or his son Duncan. Visitors find the castle ruins, a museum and the surrounding grounds. Remains of a historical herb garden have recently been discovered. The Dunollie Preservation Trust cares for the site and its collections. Funds raised support conservation, education and development. The museum and grounds offer a view of the town, harbour and islands beyond.