🏰 Kisimul Castle
The Island Fortress of Clan MacNeil
Rising from the turquoise waters of Castlebay, Barra,
Kisimul Castle is Scotland’s most dramatic island stronghold—a medieval gem
that served as the seat of Clan MacNeil for over 800 years. Known as the
"Castle in the Sea," this stone sentinel embodies Hebridean
resilience and Gaelic heritage.
📍 Location
Where: On a rocky islet in Castlebay Harbour, Isle of Barra (Outer Hebrides)
How to Visit: Accessible only by 3-minute boat ride from Castlebay pier (weather-dependent)
Why Go: The only major medieval castle still owned by its founding clan
📜 A Clan’s Enduring Legacy
11th Century Origins
Likely first fortified by Norse-Gaelic warlords before the MacNeils
Clan tradition claims descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary Irish king
15th–18th Century: Seat of the MacNeils
Built in its current form by Gilleonan MacNeil in 1427
Served as clan court, prison, and defense against rival clans like the MacDonalds
1745: Supported Bonnie Prince Charlie; later sheltered fugitives after Culloden
19th–20th Century: Abandonment & Revival
Fell into ruin after 1838 when the clan sold Barra
1937: Restored by American architect Robert MacNeil, 45th Chief, who bought back the estate
👑 Key Figures
Gilleonan MacNeil: Builder of the current castle
Rory the Turbulent: 16th-century chief who raided English ships (Elizabeth I called him a "pirate")
Robert MacNeil: 20th-century chief who revived the castle
⚔️ Political Significance
Clan Sovereignty: Operated as an independent lordship for centuries
Jacobite Loyalty: One of few Hebridean clans to fully back the ’45 Rising
Cultural Stronghold: Preserved Gaelic traditions against outside influences
🌟 Visiting Today
🏰 Open Seasonally (Historic Environment Scotland)
2024 Dates: 1 Apr–30 Sep (closed Oct–Mar)
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm (last boat 4:45pm)
Admission: £9 adults / £5.50 kids (HES members free
Don’t Miss:
The clan prison with original iron rings
Great Hall with MacNeil heraldry
Views to Hebridean fishing boats from the battlements
⚠️ Important: Boats don’t run in high winds—check ferry status
before visiting!
📍 Did You Know? The
castle’s freshwater came from an ingenious stone cistern that collected
rainwater—still visible today! 💦🏴
For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:
https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com
https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=4738
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing
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