Dun Carloway

#314 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Tower, Top attraction, Archaeological site

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Dun Carloway, perched on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved brochs in the country. This ancient stone structure, believed to have been constructed in the Iron Age around 200 BC, stands testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Scotland's early inhabitants. The broch's double-walled design provided both formidable defense and impressive durability, factors which have contributed to its survival through the centuries.

Rising to a height of approximately 9 meters, Dun Carloway once offered a panoramic view over the surrounding landscape, serving both as a watchtower and a statement of power. Its walls, tapering with height and featuring an ingenious stairway within the thickness of the walls, illustrate the sophisticated architecture of the time.

The site has fascinated archaeologists and historians alike, providing insight into the lives of the prehistoric communities that once thrived on these isles. Dun Carloway's historical significance is underscored by its status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and it continues to draw visitors from around the world, eager to connect with Scotland's distant past.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 58°16'8"N, 6°47'28"W

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Doune Broch CentreScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Dun Carloway – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Callanish Stones, Callanish II, Callanish III, Callanish VIII.

5.2 miS
Archaeological site, Ruins
Callanish Stones
133 min walk • The Callanish Stones are a prehistoric marvel, standing proudly on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom. This enigmatic stone circle, dating back to around 3000 BC, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Scotland.
5.6 miSE
Archaeological site
Callanish II, Lewis and Harris
143 min walk • The Callanish II stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
5.6 miSE
Archaeological site
Callanish III, Lewis and Harris
144 min walk • The Callanish III stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
4.6 miS
Archaeological site
Callanish VIII, Great Bernera
118 min walk • The Callanish VIII stone setting is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It is also known locally as Tursachan.
2.8 miNE
Archaeological site
Dail Mòr, Lewis and Harris
71 min walk • Dail Mòr is a hamlet situated in the Northside of Carloway, a major settlement on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. The hamlet has a beach and a cemetery. A small well kept car park is available for visitors as are picnic & public BBQ facilities. The beach is a known surf destination mentioned in numerous guidebooks.
2.9 miW
Island
Little Bernera
75 min walk • Little Bernera is a small island situated off the west coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Little Bernera lies between the sea lochs of West and East Loch Roag, immediately to the north of Great Bernera.
5.4 miSW
Island
Fuaigh Mòr
138 min walk • Fuaigh Mòr is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is off the west coast of Lewis near Great Bernera in Loch Roag. It is 84 hectares and 67 metres at its highest point.
4.1 miSW
Archaeological site
Dun Bharabhat, Great Bernera
105 min walk • Dun Bharabhat is an Iron Age galleried dun or "semi-broch" situated on the island of Great Bernera near Lewis in Scotland.
6.6 miSW
Archaeological site
Loch na Berie, Lewis and Harris
168 min walk • Loch Na Berie is a broch in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, located approximately 400 yards from the shore, and is thought to have been located on an island as the land to the east is a marsh. The site is designated a Scheduled Monument.
5.2 miSE
Archaeological site
Callanish X, Lewis and Harris
134 min walk • The Callanish X stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the more well-known and larger Calanais I on the west coast of the isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
5.2 miSW
Island
Vacsay
134 min walk • Vacsay is one of the Outer Hebrides. It is off the west coast of Lewis in West Loch Roag. It is 41 hectares in size, and 34 metres at its highest point.