"Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds - a perfect escape this summer" by Emma Sutcliffe

20 May 2024

I am so pleased to be able to share a blog with my neighbours and, as General Manager of The MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust, what better topic than to bring you up to speed with why Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds is a perfect escape this summer!

Nestled about 1 mile north of Oban along the coast, in an area known to have been inhabited for at least 8,000 years lies an iconic local landmark – Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds.

Explore the Medieval Castle Ruin and 1745 House Museum

Perched on a cliff and surrounded by stunning views across Oban Bay and the Isles is Dunollie’s medieval Castle Ruin. In the oldest part of the Laird’s House below, is the 1745 House Museum, home to a significant collection Highland Social History, as Clan MacDougall artefacts and archives. Dunollie’s beautiful Historic Woodland Grounds surround the 1745 House and Castle Ruin and offer a place of relaxation for adults and outdoor exploration for children.

This ancient stronghold, with its rich history and stunning surroundings, offers not only a glimpse into the past and a popular tourist attraction, but also a haven for locals seeking to connect with the history of the land and the natural beauty of the Argyll coastline.

Connecting with the Land

Whether we have lived in Argyll our whole lives or not, Dunollie is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a place where we can feel a deep connection to the land that we call home. Stepping through the castle ruins, we're transported back in time, imagining the lives of our ancestors who once walked these same halls and defended this coastline.

Preserved by the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust

You may not know that Dunollie is looked after by a registered charity, the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust. With a Board of 10 Trustees, a friendly team of 14 staff members, and 30 volunteers – the remit of the Trust is to preserve and share Dunollie’s fascinating history and beauty with the public.

Welcoming Visitors Throughout the Season

From Tourists to our local community, we enjoy welcoming everyone through our doors during the season, which this year is from 15 March – 1 November 2024. After the pandemic, we introduced a new ticket, which meant that anyone who purchased a pass onto the site could do so and enjoy free repeat visits throughout the year. As well as the Castle, Museum and Grounds, you will find daily tours, trails for children, piping on Sunday lunchtimes, our wonderful Kettle Garden Café and the Draper’s Shop, stocking locally sources gifts and tartans. Find out more and purchase our annual passes here.

Community Engagement with Dunollie Links

But Dunollie isn't just about history; it's also a place of community. Throughout the year the team runs a vibrant engagement programme for local people – known as Dunollie Links. The programme is aimed at people from all walks of life, offering opportunities to engage with Dunollie’s historic collections and archives, volunteer in our Woodland Grounds and providing experience-led visits for local schoolchildren and young people. If you would like to find out more about Dunollie Links, please visit our website.

Hosting Events and Gatherings

Dunollie also plays host to a variety of events and gatherings that bring locals together to celebrate our shared heritage and culture. From live music and yoga to regular family activity days and storytelling sessions – there are events to suit all ages and interests. Our event pages are regularly updated throughout the season, find out more by taking a look.

Supporting Dunollie Through Donations

As a registered charity, we generate all our own income and welcome all donations large and small. Not only do all donations go straight back into running the site, they are also an important way for us to generate income to help continue improving our facilities. If you want to give a donation as a one off, or on a regular basis, please visit our donations page.

More Than Just a Tourist Attraction

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a cherished part of our local heritage and identity. From its ancient ruins to its stunning surroundings, it offers us a chance to connect with our past and the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. So why not take some time out of our busy lives to explore this hidden gem right here in Oban? Whether it's a quiet moment of reflection or a lively gathering with friends, Dunollie Castle has something special to offer each and every one of us. We hope to see you this season!

Stay Connected

If you liked this blog, you can head over to the Dunollie website where we have our own blog and lots more information about visiting Dunollie. You can also follow us:

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds | Oban | Facebook

Dunollie Oban (@dunolliemuseumcastle) • Instagram photos and videos