Inveraray


(Above image is a capture of Main Street, Inveraray.)


Inveraray is a fascinating 18th century planned village (pop 560) built by the Third Duke of Argyll and sits on the banks of Loch Fyne. Location is about 64 miles N.W. of Glasgow in the west of Scotland.
Loch Fyne from Inveraray


The village is a popular tourist destination and has a range of shops, accommodation and eateries to cater for visitors.

Visitor sites at Inveraray
  • Inveraray Jail, a restored prison and courthouse located in the centre of the village and now a tourist attraction.
  •  All Saints Church, famous for its Bell Tower and second heaviest set of church bells in the world.
  • Inveraray Castle: This was erected 1745-85 and is home to the Duke of Argyll’s family, the senior branch of Clan Campbell. Open to visitors to view a wide range of tapestries, furniture, art works and a genealogical display.

 Visitor sites within range of Inveraray
  • Kilmartin Glen: An ancient, prehistoric landscape which may have been occupied for 10,000 years. Features stone circles and standing stones dating back to 3500BC together with ancient rock carvings/art at Achnabreck. Kilmartin is about 35 miles S.W. of Inveraray.
  • Dunadd Hill Fort:Standing high on a rocky outcrop this was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada around 500AD (before Scotland was unified). Superb views from the top.Dunadd is about 30 miles S.W. of Inveraray.


  • Auchindrain Township: A reconstruction of an original West Highland village with thatched cottages, barn and a blacksmith. Auchindrain is about 7 miles South of Inveraray.
  •  Crarae Gardens: Rare trees and exotic shrubs from around the world thrive in the mild climate. The gardens include over 400 rhododenrons and azaleas. The gardens are about 11 miles south of Inveraray.
  • Ardkinglas Woodland Garden: a 25 acre site which exploits the combination of high annual rainfall and Gulf Stream mildness to provide a unique growing environment. Home to a fine collection of rhododendrons and conifers. This garden is about 12 miles N.E. of Inveraray.
  • Loch Fyne Oyster Bar: A combined restaurant, shop and smokehouse which attracts customers from far afield to enjoy the famous oysters and other “Fyne” foods including smoked kippers. Booking ahead is recommended. This restaurant is about 8 miles N.E. of Inveraray.
  • Kintyre Peninsula: Somewhat off the normal “tourist trail” and worth a visit because of it. Generally, a quiet area but still able to offer great scenery, wildlife, history, golf and whisky. This area experienced heavy migration (to North America and Australasia) in the 18th and 19th centuries and hence is of interest to persons tracing their ancestors. Inveraray is well positioned as base for touring Kintyre and Campbeltown. Carradale in the centre of Kintyre is about 63 miles south of Inveraray.
  • Knapdale: A forested area which stretches coast to coast across the peninsula. Many walking trails and hills dotted with tiny lochs (lakes).
© Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

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