Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds
There are plenty of activities for all ages at Dunollie. This museum is located just outside Oban. Dunollie is located 1 mile North of Oban and overlooks Oban Bay - an easy stroll along the waterfront. It is the traditional seat of the MacDougall Clan and houses a vast array of Highland social history within its museum. It comprises a castle ruin, a museum with detailed permanent and changing exhibitions, beautiful woodland grounds, and a play area.
You can enjoy daily guided tours, a mythical creatures trail for children, a seasonal children's explorer trail, and bagpiping on a Sunday. A film room plays a loop of a film about the site's history throughout the day. Throughout the season, Dunollie offers music evenings and quizzes.
A family visit to Dunollie ensures a great, fun day out with lots to please all ages.
Good to Know / Planning Tips:
- Style: perfect for history enthusiasts, wonderful for burning off some steam, and ideal for nature lovers.
- What to pack: Waterproofs, walking boots, camera.
- Best time of year to visit: A number of fun events take place year-round outside the usual season, including Snowdrop walks, Summer Solstice evenings, and unique winter events. Also, the museum is open for the season from March to the end of October. Tickets last for a year, so you can revisit for free during that period. See their website for opening times.
- Facilities: Free on-site car park for about 20 cars. Dunollie is reachable by a short 20-minute walk from the Centre of town, either via the woodland path or the seafront promenade. There are toilets within the castle museum building and outdoor toilets in the play area. A play area, cafe and on-site shop.
- Good to know: Dogs are welcome in the grounds on a lead.
Dunollie Castle & Museum
Where to Eat & Drink
The Kettle Café at Dunollie Castle and Gardens offers an Al Fresco café with hot and cold offerings within the castle grounds (do check times via their website and Facebook page). Takeaway options available. Picnic tables and seating in the garden area, also under a canvas cover in wet weather.
Several pubs and restaurants are available in nearby Oban, a short walk away, including The Oban Bay Hotel and Markie Dans.
KILCHURN CASTLE
Kilchurn castle is a must visit destination whilst in Argyll. It is a 15th century castle (now ruins) that is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
DUNSTAFFNAGE CASTLE
A visit to Oban is not complete without popping to visit Dunstaffnage Castle. The castle is one of the oldest dating back to before 1240 and was the base for the MacDougall clan
ST CONAN'S KIRK
St Conan’s Kirk is a must visit when in Argyll as it has natural beauty looking out onto Loch Awe, character, an interesting history of the Kirk itself and an active local community within the church today.
BONAWE IRON FURNACE
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnaceit an unusual heritage site in a beautiful natural setting near the charming village of Taynuilt.
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