Duart Castle

Castle Historic clan fortress on Isle of Mull

Clan MacLean’s ancestral stronghold on the Isle of Mull, overlooking the Sound of Mull; visitors tour restored rooms, learn clan history and take coastal walks.

Main image

Duart Castle is a medieval stronghold on the Isle of Mull off Scotland’s west coast, historically the seat of Clan Maclean. The castle occupies a prominent clifftop position overlooking the Sound of Mull.

Founded in the medieval period, the castle has been associated with Clan Maclean for centuries and has been repaired and conserved at different times to preserve its historic fabric. It remains strongly identified with clan history and local heritage.

Sited on the eastern shore of the Isle of Mull, the castle looks out across the Sound of Mull toward mainland Scotland and is reached by minor roads from nearby villages and ferry connections to the island.

  • Setting: Located on a rocky promontory at the eastern entrance to the Sound of Mull, the castle commands sea approaches and offers coastal views from its battlements.

What to See #

  • Keep and curtain walls: The medieval keep and curtain wall sit on a rocky promontory with direct views over the Sound of Mull, forming the principal defensive and residential core of the castle.
  • Exhibition and visitor route: Visitor areas including an exhibition and guided-tour route that explains the castle's history and Clan Maclean associations, arranged around restored rooms and battlements.
Duart Castle
Duart Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland
56.4562, -5.6549
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https://duartcastle.com

How to Get to Duart Castle #

Duart Castle is on the eastern tip of the Isle of Mull. From mainland Scotland take the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull; from Craignure the castle is reachable by car in roughly 30-40 minutes on island roads (single-track B-roads), or by local bus services when they operate. There is a small car park at the castle and the site can also be approached by private boat.

Tips for Visiting Duart Castle #

  • Plan your visit around the Oban-Mull ferry timetable so you have flexibility on Mull; allow time for local driving-the castle is on the island's west coast and ferry connections dictate your day.
  • Visit early or late in the day to avoid the peak of summer coach traffic and to get the best light on the castle and the Sound of Mull for photos.
  • Take the short coastal walk below the castle-visitors who only view from the car park miss dramatic shoreline perspectives and close-up views of the Sound of Mull and nearby islands.

Best Time to Visit Duart Castle #

Best to visit Duart Castle from late spring through early autumn when ferry services and visitor facilities are most reliable and the grounds are pleasant.

Late spring-early autumn (best)
May-Sep · 10 to 18 °C
Milder weather, fuller visitor facilities and more frequent ferry/transport options; this is the best period for exploring the castle and grounds.
Shoulder seasons (quieter)
Apr & Oct · 6 to 12 °C
Fewer tourists and lower prices, though weather can be changeable; some services may have reduced hours.
Winter (cold, limited access)
Nov-Mar · 1 to 8 °C
Cold, wet conditions and shorter daylight; access and on-site services may be limited outside the main season.

Weather & Climate near Duart Castle #

Climate

Duart Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1801 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 24 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (216 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
3° – 7°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

216 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
3° – 7°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

6°
Feels Like Cold
6°C
Temperature
4° – 9°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

166 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

8°
Feels Like Cold
8°C
Temperature
5° – 11°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
8° – 14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° – 16°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
12° – 17°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
12° – 17°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° – 15°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
8° – 12°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

197 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (205 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

7°
Feels Like Cold
7°C
Temperature
5° – 10°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

205 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (201 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
3° – 7°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

201 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

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