Dunyvaig Castle

Dunyvaig Castle is a fortress ruin that juts out on a rocky headland into Lagavulin Bay, located roughly three miles east of Port Ellen. The remains span several periods and include a tower from the 13th century, a courtyard from the same era, and walls of a keep from the 15th century positioned at different levels on the cliff.

The MacDonald Lords of the Isles built the fortress in the 11th century as a base to protect their naval fleet anchored in Lagavulin Bay. Over the following centuries, rival clans including the MacIans and Campbells fought to claim ownership through repeated sieges and conflicts.

The name comes from Gaelic origins meaning the fort of things. The scattered stone remains visible today reflect how successive groups reshaped the fortress to meet their own needs over time.

The ruins are fenced for safety, but you can view the structures clearly from the shoreline and access coastal walking routes that pass nearby. The site is easy to reach and explore from the surrounding area without needing special equipment or permits.

The site sits near Lagavulin Distillery, which has produced whisky for over 200 years and shaped the local character of the region. This creates an unusual combination where medieval history and modern craft production sit side by side.