Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

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Get your Dunollie Castle tickets and enjoy one of the best things to do in Oban for families today

Not only is Dunollie Castle a marvellous Scotland heritage site with a rich history, it also makes for great family days out in Oban with its breathtaking views and surroundings.  

  • Visit the castle that once belonged to the powerful Clan MacDougall
  • Take a relaxing walk around the beautiful grounds that surround the castle
  • See the incredible views that the castle offers of the Oban Bay
  • Dive even deeper into the site's history at the Dunollie Castle Museum
  • Taste delicious home-made treats at the Kettle Garden Café
  • Enjoy a day of exploration at everything the site has to offer, fun for families, kids and even dogs

Get your Dunollie tickets today in one of the best places to visit in Oban on your family holiday or days out. Tickets are delivered to you instantly via email and SMS, plus you won't find a better price online! 

Welcome to Dunollie Castle, one of the best Oban days out for families! 

Overlooking the town of Oban, Dunollie Castle is a small but significant site with a rich history, with the area having been inhabited for at least 8,000 years. Perched on a cliff, Dunollie also offers stunning views of the Oban Bay, making for some of the best things to do near Oban for families. 

Once the mighty stronghold of the powerful Clan MacDougall, the castle retains its sense of grandeur to this day. Explore the 13th-century tower house and wander around the impressive castle grounds as the history of this castle as an imposing fortress comes to life. 

If you're looking to take a deep dive into the history of the castle and grounds, head to the 1745 House Museum where you can learn even more about the history of the MacDougalls and their influence on the region. Exploring with kids? There's plenty of different child-friendly adventure trails, such as the Dunollie Explorer's Trail, to be discovered at the castle grounds. Dogs are also welcome to join! Be sure to also stop at the Kettle Garden Café, where you can treat yourself to some hot drinks and delicious home-baking. 

Whether you're after a visit to one of the most impressive historic sites in Scotland with a stunning bay view, or are simply looking to relax and explore in an exciting family adventure, Dunollie Castle is one of the must-do days out near Oban for the family! 

Location

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds

Dunollie House,
Oban,
PA34 5TT
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How to find us

Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds is located off the A85, less than 1.5 miles North of the town of Oban, Argyll on the West Coast of Scotland.

Parking is provided, however there isn't always parking capacity for coaches.

By car: 

Dunollie is a five-minute drive from the Centre of Oban. Heading North, follow the A85 along Corran Esplanade and take the first exit towards Ganavan.

At the first roundabout adjacent to the Corran Halls take the first exit towards St. Columba's Cathedral along the coast before reaching the entrance to Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds.

By foot:

From the train, bus or ferry terminal, Dunollie is a pleasant 30 minute stroll along the seafront. Enjoy a walk along the esplanade, past St Columba's Cathedral until you reach the War Memorial.

Cross over the road at the War Memorial to join Dunollie's Woodland Trail, which will lead you to the entrance of Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds.

By bus: 

West Coast Motors provides an hourly service to Ganavan from Monday - Saturday. 

By bike: 

Oban is on the National Cycle Route 78, which runs from Campbelltown to Inverness. There is not currently a bike rack for cyclists, however there is plenty of space near reception should you wish to leave your bikes while exploring the site.

Facilities
  • Kettle Garden Café
  • Gift shop
  • Toilets
More Info
Is Dunollie Castle dog-friendly?

Dogs and other furry friends on a lead are welcome to Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds' outdoor areas.

This means they can be walked around the grounds and up to the Castle Ruin but cannot go in the 1745 House Museum, the Draper's Shop and the Loom Room.

The Kettle Garden Café has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, but they must wait behind whilst their owners enter the building to order.

Is Dunollie Castle accessible?

The first floor of the 1745 House Museum is accessible, although the entrance is 83cm wide. The Kettle Garden Café, the Draper's Shop, the Loom Room and most of the Enchanting Woodland Grounds are also accessible.

Areas of Dunollie Castle that require more mobility:

The second floor of the 1745 House Museum, including the temporary exhibition room is only accessible through a flight of stairs. There is a handrail to hold on and the steps are of standard size. 

Dunollie's Castle Ruin is the most difficult section of the site to access. It is located at the top of a steep hill which can be slippery, especially upon descent. Visitors are asked to take special care in that area.

There is a handrail in use along the path leading to the castle, and walking sticks can be provided to any visitors who need one. 

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