Kisimul Castle
Caisteal Chiosmuil
A MacNeil clan castle standing on a reef in the sea within Castlebay. Visitors must take a small boat to reach it.
Kisimul Castle was built around the 15th century on a small rocky island in the harbor of Castlebay, and it is the ancestral seat of the MacNeil clan. It was restored in the 20th century and is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. In summer, a small boat from the Castlebay pier takes about 5 minutes to reach the island, where you can visit the great hall, the chapel and the battlements. The castle is still known for its rainwater collection and for the habits of seabirds. A ticket, including the boat fare, costs about £10. Boats stop running in bad weather. The view of the castle and harbor from the shore is equally classic.
Opening hours
Approx. Apr–Sep, 09:30–17:30 (weather permitting)
Nearby sights
- Heaval & Our Lady Star of the Sea
- Vatersay Beaches
- Hebridean Way Cycle Route
- Barra Airport (Traigh Mhòr)
- Tràigh Eais
- Cleat Beach, Barra
- Mingulay
- Prince's Beach, Eriskay