Dun Ringill, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom

Dun Ringill is an Iron Age hill fort on the Strathaird peninsula. Further fortified in the Middle Ages, tradition holds that it was for several centuries the seat of Clan MacKinnon. The original structure is consistent with an Iron Age Broch dating to approximately the first years of the common era. The main and subordinate structures have been occupied and modified throughout its history until the 19th century. Tradition relates that the structure was occupied by the MacKinnons as their clan seat well before the 16th century. It is mentioned in historical texts in the 16th century after which the MacKinnons moved their seat to Dunakin.

Dun Ringill today is a stacked stone ruin overlooking Loch Slapin. The present structure is approximately 4 meters in height and 16 meters on each side with a ditch following the outer wall. Its most notable feature is the central landward facing doorway approximately 1.8 meters high that leads into the center of the structure. The interior of the structure contained two rectangular buildings 4.5 meters by 2.4 meters. The original layout was similar to that of a broch, a form of complex Atlantic roundhouse.

A stone wall foundation encloses area adjacent to the structure. Similarly to other castles and fortified houses, the wall probably formed a defensive perimeter and livestock enclosure. The remains of the wall itself are hidden by vegetation. A site survey has shown that there are remains of other buildings in the immediate vicinity; and although their age is uncertain, it is likely their construction and occupation was throughout the history of Dun Ringill up until the 19th century.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Stuart Robinson (12 months ago)
Dun Ringill is situated not far from Ian Andersons previous abode on Skye, Strathaird House. To get there simply park just past Strathaird House in the layby and cross the stepping stones in the burn adjacent to the houses east garden wall and follow the tracks in the heather/grassland. It is not far and a little care is needed when crossing on the stepping stones when the tide is in, find a long sturdy stick to help with your balance or you end up in the burn. There is not much left of Dun Ringill now but sitting in the layby with 'Stormwatch' playing you feel the 'Old Ghosts' playing hide and seek in Kilmarie Cemetry. Looking down Loch Slapin with clear understanding you can imagine the 'dark sails on the horizon'. For those interested in the Ian Anderson/Tull connection Strathaird House is briefly shown on the documentary Fish, Sheep and Rock and Roll. The area, and Andersons observations traversing his estate are referenced many times on Jethro Tull songs.

Adventure Sandy “snakewoman68” (2 years ago)
Nice wee walk. Park at cemetery and if you're not keen on the stepping stones across the river walk back the road to a gate which takes you down to a bridge. Take the track to the right and follow to the broch. Can be a bit boggy in places. Lots of exploring in the area and interesting rock formations to be seen from the beach

Stuart Robinson (4 years ago)
Dun Ringil is situated not far from Ian Andersons previous abode on Skye. To get there simply cross the stepping stones in the burn adjacent to the house and follow the tracks in the heather/grassland. It is not far but takes a few minutes to get there on foot. A little care is needed when crossing on the stepping stones when the tide is in, find a sturdy stick to help with your balance or you end up in the burn. To finish off park your vehicle in the layby with a flask of coffee and play 'Stormwatch' while looking out over the bay or the graveyard at the bottom of IA's former garden and inspiration for 'old Ghosts'.

Scott Lawrie (4 years ago)
It's fine if you like scrambling over lots of rocks, but the "castle" itself is actually just a small pile of rocks with a little tunnel through it. Really not worth getting excited about. Cool having to cross stepping stones to get there though. Park at the cemetery.

Chris Anderson (6 years ago)
Nice walk be careful on footpath

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Dun Ringill

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle