A rocky outcrop at Sorne Point holds Dùn Ara above the northern coast of Mull, facing the sea toward Coll and Ardnamurchan. The site combines an ancient dùn, a small defended stone fort, with the remains of a medieval castle.
Its position seems chosen for control of a coastal landing. The source notes the nearby Bathing Pool, a man-made harbour that may pre-date the castle and may have seen Norse use.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
History
Dùn Ara is a ruined medieval castle and ancient dùn on the Isle of Mull.
It stands at Sorne Point in Glengorm, north-west of Glengorm Castle.
The castle can be accessed only by sea and from a path leading from Glengorm Castle.
The site overlooks the ocean toward Coll and Ardnamurchan.
The castle may have defended the Bathing Pool, a man-made harbour that may have been constructed before the castle's occupation.
The harbour may have seen use by the Norse.
Clan MacKinnon controlled and used the castle in medieval times until its abandonment in 1642.
Dùn Ara became a scheduled monument on 11 November 2003.
Connections
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Isle of Mull
Dùn Ara stands on Mull's northern coast.
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Glengorm Castle
A path from Glengorm Castle provides one access route to Dùn Ara.
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Coll and Ardnamurchan
The castle looks seaward toward these places.
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Bathing Pool
A man-made harbour near the castle that the site may have defended.
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Clan MacKinnon
Controlled and used the castle until its abandonment in 1642.
What to look for
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Rocky outcrop
The castle and dùn occupy a coastal outcrop at Sorne Point.
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Sea-facing outlook
The site looks toward Coll and Ardnamurchan.
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Harbour relationship
The Bathing Pool below the castle is central to interpretation of the site.
Plan your visit
- Location
- 56.6403°N · 6.1978°W
- Access
- Reached on a public path
- Terrain
- Rough ground — reasonable boots advised
Opening & admission
Check local route and conditions before travelling
- The source says Dùn Ara can be accessed only by sea and from a path leading from Glengorm Castle.
- Coastal conditions and private estate routing may affect practical access.
Nearby places
Questions people ask
- What is Dùn Ara?
- It is a ruined medieval castle and ancient dùn on the northern coast of Mull.
- Where is Dùn Ara?
- It stands at Sorne Point in Glengorm, north-west of Glengorm Castle.
- Who controlled Dùn Ara?
- Clan MacKinnon controlled and used the castle until it was abandoned in 1642.
- How is the castle reached?
- The source says it can be accessed only by sea and from a path leading from Glengorm Castle.
Sources
Explore more: Building or ruins · Medieval · Argyll and Bute
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