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The castle island mirrored in Loch Awe in autumn.
Argyll and Bute

Innis Chonnell Castle

One of the first strongholds of Clan Campbell, a ruined castle of the 13th century on an island in Loch Awe.

Welcome

Innis Chonnell is a small wooded island halfway down the eastern shore of Loch Awe, and on the rock at its south-western end stand the massive, ivy-covered walls of one of the earliest strongholds of Clan Campbell.

A square castle with walls about eight feet thick was built here in the first half of the 13th century. It was first mentioned in 1308, when John of Lorne held it for Edward II, and after the defeat of the MacDougalls, Robert the Bruce confirmed the lordship of Loch Awe to Sir Colin Campbell in 1315.

It remained the family's chief seat until Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, moved to Inveraray in the 15th century, and for two centuries after that the earls kept prisoners here. The castle is privately owned by the Argyll family and not open to the public, but it can be seen from the quiet, winding road along the east side of the loch, south of Dalavich.

A short drive awayLoch AweThe longest freshwater loch in Scotland, 23 miles through the hills of Argyll, with crannogs, island chapels and Campbell castles.6 min by roadSee itKilchurn Castle on its point at the head of Loch Awe, from above.
Before you go

The castle is privately owned and not open to the public.

It is seen from the shore road on the east side of Loch Awe, south of Dalavich.

Seen from
The east shore road of Loch Awe.
Access
Not open to the public.
Where it is

Loch Awe, south of Dalavich.

Close byOn Loch Awe.
  1. Carnasserie CastleCarnasserie CastleThe Renaissance tower house of John Carswell, first Protestant Bishop of the Isles, at the head of Kilmartin Glen.13 miles21 min by road
  2. Kilmartin church and its churchyard.Kilmartin StonesMedieval West Highland grave slabs of warriors, swords and interlace in the churchyard at Kilmartin.14 miles23 min by road
  3. Standing stones in a frosted field in Kilmartin Glen.Kilmartin GlenOne of Scotland's richest prehistoric landscapes, with more than 800 monuments within six miles of Kilmartin and a museum to explain them.14 miles23 min by road
Directions
Kilchurn Castle on its point at the head of Loch Awe, from above.AttractionsLoch Awe3.5 miles
Stay nearby

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

Timber cabin with copper roof beside a loch, shaded by oak treesUisge Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 11 miles from Innis Chonnell
Check datesBlack timber-clad cabin with corrugated roof and stove flue, set among trees and long grassBeatha
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 11 miles from Innis Chonnell
Check datesA dark timber cabin with a pitched metal roof stands among ferns and birch trees.Kabn
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Cairndow
  • 12 miles from Innis Chonnell
Free 17–19 NovGlencruitten House, Argyll and ButeGlencruitten House
  • To stay
  • In Argyll and Bute
  • 13 miles from Innis Chonnell
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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Find out more

For further reading, before you go.