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Dunollie Castle's ruined tower on its crag.
Argyll and Bute

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds

The MacDougalls' castle ruin on its cliff above Oban Bay, with a museum in the 1745 House, woodland grounds and a café.

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Welcome

Dunollie stands a mile north of Oban, where the ruin of a medieval castle stands on a cliff at the mouth of Oban Bay, looking out to the isles.

It is the ancestral home of Clan MacDougall, who held it for over 800 years, and it is run today by the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust.

The 1745 House, the later family home below the castle, is now a museum that tells the story of the castle and the clan through hundreds of objects, from the Jacobite period to Highland home life and costume. The grounds are part of Argyll's rainforest, with woodland trails, bluebells and snowdrops in season, and a garden that runs from native flowers to the poisonous plants of medieval Europe. The Kettle Garden Café serves Scottish home baking, with vegan and gluten-free choices. Dunollie opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm; it is closed on Mondays.

Round the cornerHutcheson MonumentA granite obelisk of 1883 on the north of Kerrera, raised to the man who brought the steamers to the West Highlands.1 min by roadSee itThe obelisk on its green hill above the water.
Before you go

Dunollie opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm; last recommended entry 3.30pm; closed Monday.

The Kettle Garden Café has vegan and gluten-free choices.

Hours
Tue to Sun 10:00 to 16:00; closed Mon.
Where
A mile north of Oban, PA34 5TT.

Opening hours

Their website
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10am–4pm
Wednesday
10am–4pm
Thursday
10am–4pm
Friday
10am–4pm
Saturday
10am–4pm
Sunday
10am–4pm
Where it is

A mile north of Oban.

Close byNear Oban.
  1. Dunollie CastleDunollie CastleThe MacDougalls' ruined castle on a hillside above Oban, with views to Kerrera and the isles on a clear day, and a museum in the 1745 House.Under a mile1 min by road
  2. The Dog StoneThe Dog StoneUnder a mile1 min by road
  3. Fishing boats Kyrene and Dorus Mor moored in Oban harbour, McCaig's Tower above the townOban BayUnder a mile2 min by road
  4. Sorcha Bakery, ObanSorcha Bakery, Oban1 mile3 min by road
  5. Oban Bay and a ferry below Battleship Hill, the islands beyond.Battleship HillCnoc Carnach, a short, steep climb from Oban's front through Dunollie Woods to a view over Kerrera, Mull and Lismore.1 mile4 min by road
Directions
The obelisk on its green hill above the water.AttractionsHutcheson Monument0.2 miles
The Jetty Gallery, Argyll and ButeShoppingThe Jetty Gallery, Oban1.1 miles
A large abstract painting and framed works in the white gallery.AttractionsPassing Place Gallery1.1 miles
Oban Whisky and Fine Wines, Argyll and ButeShoppingOban Whisky and Fine Wines1.1 miles
The dark stone front of the Oban Distillery and its sign, Estd 1794.AttractionsOban Distillery1.1 miles
The Oban Inn, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsThe Oban Inn1.2 miles
The Modern Croft, ObanShoppingThe Modern Croft, Oban1.2 miles
Piazza, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsPiazza, Oban1.2 miles
Hinba Coffee Roasters, ObanCafeHinba, Oban1.2 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near Dunollie, and when each is next free.

The Drury from the lawn below: a grey granite Victorian villa with sandstone bay windows, dormers in the slate roof and tall chimneys.The Drury
  • Sleeps 22
  • In Oban
  • Under a mile from Dunollie
Free 18–20 OctGlencruitten House, Argyll and ButeGlencruitten House
  • To stay
  • In Argyll and Bute
  • 2 miles from Dunollie
Check datesTimber cabin with copper roof beside a loch, shaded by oak treesUisge Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 5 miles from Dunollie
Check datesBlack timber-clad cabin with corrugated roof and stove flue, set among trees and long grassBeatha
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 5 miles from Dunollie
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Argyll and ButeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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