History & Archaeology

Nearby Kilmartin Glen comprises Scotland's richest prehistoric landscape with a concentration of cairns, standing stones and other impressive remains which have dotted the landscape from around 3000 B.C. Many of these monuments are easily accessible to the public and interpretation is provided by the award winning museum at Kilmartin. 

Kilmartin House Museum offer an interesting and varied programme of events throughout the year. Their latest discovery - Balure Dun - is literally being unearthed in the coming months and years. We are the nearest accommodation provider, being a thirty minute walk from the site.

Argyll also formed a key role as cradle of the new Scottish nation and of its Christian faith through the arrival of the "Scotti" from Ulster to form the Kingdom of Dalriada from around 500 A.D. The hill fort at nearby Dunadd was their initial capital.

A little more recently, when Argyll was under the not insignificant influence of the Norse, Suibhne, Lord of Knapdale, built Castle Sween in the late 1100’s.

On opposing sides of land at the head of Loch Sween are two medieval chapels each housing a collection of grave slabs. Keill’s Chapel on the Tayvallich side holds the Keill’s Cross, whilst Kilmory Knap Chapel on the Achnamara side is home to Macmillan’s Cross.

In addition, there are a number of abandoned settlements to be discovered whilst out and about in Knapdale Forest. We can provide maps to help you identify places which may be of particular interest to you, and ensure that you are able to maximise your stay with us.

For those rainy days we would recommend visiting any of the following local museums:

Kilmartin Museum
Kilmartin House Museum is an award winning world-class centre for archaeology and landscape interpretation established to protect, investigate and interpret the internationally important archaeological landscape of Kilmartin Glen and the artefacts that have been found there.
http://www.kilmartin.org/

Auchindrain Museum
Auchindrain Museum is a visitor experience which brings a historic “farming village” back to life. On entering the Museum visitors step back in time to witness how the local community lived, worked and played. The original village buildings are furnished and give a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived and worked at Auchindrain.
http://www.auchindrain-museum.org.uk/

Inveraray Jail
A superb visitor attraction with interest and excitement for all ages, Inveraray Jail is a place where you can tour at your own leisure. The old prison, linked to the courthouse was opened in 1820; whilst the new prison was completed in 1848. For children, there are several “hands on” experiences throughout their visit.
http://www.inverarayjail.co.uk/

Inveraray Castle
This is the ancestral seat of the Duke of Argyll which has been developed over the centuries to become a building of unique architectural character. I will always remember my first glimpse of it as a child – we called it “the fairy tale castle” because of its four conical spires.

When the castle was commissioned in the mid eighteenth century, the town of Inveraray was dismantled and a new town built in the current position in order to provide the required space for formal grounds and the best position for the castle! Today it provides an interesting insight into days gone by with some superb artefacts.
http://www.inveraray-castle.com/Pages/content.asp