Carnasserie Castle

Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

Carnasserie Castle is a ruined 16th-century tower house built by reforming churchman John Carswell, who was Rector of Kilmartin, Chancellor of the Chapel Royal at Stirling, and later titular Bishop of the Isles. Construction began in 1565 using masons brought from Stirling. Although the castle was notionally built for Carswell's patron, the Earl of Argyll, he intended it as a personal residence for himself.

On Carswell's death in 1572, the castle passed to his patron, the Earl of Argyll. Later, in 1643, the 8th Earl of Argyll sold Carnasserie to Sir Dugald Campbell, 3rd Baronet of Auchinbreck. Following the 9th Earl's failed uprising in support of the Monmouth Rebellion, against James VII in 1685, the castle was blown up by Royalist forces. Although the outer walls remain largely undamaged, the ruins were never repaired.

Carnasserie has only ever been slightly altered, in the late 17th century, and so presents an accurate picture of 16th-century architecture. Although sited on raised ground close to a strategic pass at the head of Kilmartin Glen, it was designed more for domestic rather than military purposes.

The castle comprises a 5 storey tower house, with a longer three storey hall house, providing a substantial range of accommodation. At basement level are the remains of cellars and a kitchen with a large fireplace and water inlet. Above this is the large hall. This is connected to a large drawing room in the tower house, which retains its stone floor and large fireplace with carved stone decoration. A broad stair rises from the entrance to the hall, contained in a small tower to the north-west. A second smaller stair leads up from the hall to the parapet walk on three sides of the tower house. Upper rooms would have contained bedrooms.

The exterior displays numerous gunloops, as well as decorative string courses and corbelling. Over the entrance are blank panels framed by carved supports, as well as the arms of the 5th Earl of Argyll with the motto DIA LE UA NDUIBHNE, 'God be with O'Duine', referring to the semi-legendary ancestors of Clan Campbell. At the top of the tower are the remains of open rounds along the parapet, and a caphouse above the stair. Fragments of carved drain spouts have been found, and are on display in the cellars.

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Details

Founded: 1565
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jessica Tremblay (4 months ago)
We loved visiting this castle up on the hill. We were the only ones there until we were leaving. It was early morning, the sun was out, and it was glorious. Very clear how to get there from the car park. A moderate incline but easy walk up, then some steep grass/stone stairs. Castle is pretty well maintained, with few signs with information. Many levels you can walk up - the top lookouts being the most precarious. We went all the way up with our 3yr old and I was definitely nervous he'd fall off. But...it's absolutely stunning and a must see as you drive through Kilmartin Glen.
S Atkins-Steel (4 months ago)
What a gem... Up a small hill from the car park only 5 min walk. It's completely free to enter and it's well maintained. We loved this place, enjoyed the history and atmosphere. Would highly recommend.
Siyin Tan (4 months ago)
A great place to come explore the castle ruins. We climbed the spiral stairs to the top. Nice views.
Eric Cresley (4 months ago)
Absolutely loved this little gem of a place,steeped in so much history,a great place to exsplore with 2 spiral staircases to climb up with lovely views,I'd love to have time travelled back in time and seen this place in all its glory!!!
Nikki C1966 (5 months ago)
Great little find, quite a steep incline on the last bit, otherwise all good. You can climb up to the tower. The stairs are a bit tricky if you aren't sure footed! Great location, and free!
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