The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 1,740 reports TICKETED

Duart Castle

Argyll and Bute, Scotland


Duart Castle
Duart Castle, further view Duart Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Clan Maclean (Maclean family)
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Isle of Mull PA64 6AP

Telephone 01680 812309

Website duartcastle.com

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:30 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.

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 · 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.

Seasonal Apr-Oct; Isle of Mull

“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

Further reading

Scotland's Castles cover book
Scotland's Castles

Chris Tabraham

Find it on Amazon
The Castles of Scotland cover book
The Castles of Scotland

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
book
Castles of the Clans

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon