1. Home
  2. Scotland
  3. Argyll and West Dunbartonshire
  4. Argyll and Bute
  5. Argyllshire
  6. Eilean an Droighinn

Eilean an Droighinn

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eilean an Droighinn

The Ardilistry River Looking downstream from the bridge at Fairy Hill Cottage.
The Ardilistry River Credit: M J Richardson

Eilean an Droighinn is a small island located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is situated in the Firth of Clyde, approximately 3 miles east of the town of Dunoon. The island covers an area of around 20 acres and has a rugged, rocky terrain.

The name "Eilean an Droighinn" translates to "Island of the Thorn" in English, which is believed to refer to the thorny bushes that once covered the island. Today, however, the vegetation mainly consists of grasses and some scattered trees.

The island has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological remains, including stone tools and pottery fragments, have been discovered on the island, indicating that it was once inhabited by early settlers.

During the medieval period, Eilean an Droighinn was used as a defensive stronghold due to its strategic location. The ruins of a small fortification, believed to have been constructed in the 13th century, can still be seen on the island.

In more recent history, Eilean an Droighinn has become a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including gulls, cormorants, and oystercatchers. Seals can also be spotted in the surrounding waters.

Access to Eilean an Droighinn is limited, as there are no regular ferry services to the island. However, it can be reached by private boat or kayak, making it a secluded and peaceful destination for those seeking a unique island experience in the Argyllshire region.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Eilean an Droighinn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.67293/-6.0425257 or Grid Reference NR4549. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Ardilistry River Looking downstream from the bridge at Fairy Hill Cottage.
The Ardilistry River
Looking downstream from the bridge at Fairy Hill Cottage.
Moorland near Kildalton Looking south to a wooded rise.
Moorland near Kildalton
Looking south to a wooded rise.
Coille nam Bruach Open deciduous woodland along the road to Ardtalla.
Coille nam Bruach
Open deciduous woodland along the road to Ardtalla.
Old Milestone near Ardilistry, Islay District Milestone by the UC road, in parish of Kildalton and Oa (Islay District), opposite gates to Ardilistry, on verge. Inscription reads:- PORT ELLEN VI Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: AB_IPEAT06
Old Milestone near Ardilistry, Islay District
Milestone by the UC road, in parish of Kildalton and Oa (Islay District), opposite gates to Ardilistry, on verge. Inscription reads:- PORT ELLEN VI Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: AB_IPEAT06
Kildalton High Cross Kildalton High Cross is one of the earliest crosses in Scotland dating from the second half of the eighth century.
Kildalton High Cross
Kildalton High Cross is one of the earliest crosses in Scotland dating from the second half of the eighth century.
Thief's Cross A cross in an enclosure to the north of Kildalton Church. much later in origin than the high cross this one is in unconsecrated ground and rumour had it as a thief's grave marker.
Thief's Cross
A cross in an enclosure to the north of Kildalton Church. much later in origin than the high cross this one is in unconsecrated ground and rumour had it as a thief's grave marker.
Kildalton Church The roofless ruin of Kildalton. The church has been here from probably the late 12th century.
Kildalton Church
The roofless ruin of Kildalton. The church has been here from probably the late 12th century.
One of the Kildalton Crosses Two ancient stone crosses found at this small church that has fallen into disrepair.
One of the Kildalton Crosses
Two ancient stone crosses found at this small church that has fallen into disrepair.
Carved grave stones These very old grave stones have images on them. One at least is knight in armour with a sword.
Carved grave stones
These very old grave stones have images on them. One at least is knight in armour with a sword.
Kildalton Church and Cross Kildalton Cross is one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland, the High Cross of Kildalton, is closely related to three major crosses in Iona, St John's, St Martin's and St Oran's and dates from the second half of the 8th century. The cross stands 2.65 metres in height, with arms 1.32 metres across.
Kildalton Church and Cross
Kildalton Cross is one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland, the High Cross of Kildalton, is closely related to three major crosses in Iona, St John's, St Martin's and St Oran's and dates from the second half of the 8th century. The cross stands 2.65 metres in height, with arms 1.32 metres across.
'The Thief's Cross' Outside the wall of the Kildalton churchyard stands a simple late-medieval cross possibly erected by some dignitary (while still alive) as a place for private prayer and for his own salvation. However, because this cross stands in non-consecrated ground, the story has evolved that it is the grave of a criminal and it has been nicknamed 'The Thief's Cross'. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.islayinfo.com/islay_kildalton_cross.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.islayinfo.com/islay_kildalton_cross.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
'The Thief's Cross'
Outside the wall of the Kildalton churchyard stands a simple late-medieval cross possibly erected by some dignitary (while still alive) as a place for private prayer and for his own salvation. However, because this cross stands in non-consecrated ground, the story has evolved that it is the grave of a criminal and it has been nicknamed 'The Thief's Cross'. LinkExternal link
Communications mast at Tallant Up a track behind Tallant farm.
Communications mast at Tallant
Up a track behind Tallant farm.
Yellow Irises Beside the track to Ardmore.
Yellow Irises
Beside the track to Ardmore.
Maidenhair Spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes growing on the south face of the north wall of Kildalton Churchyard.
Maidenhair Spleenwort
Asplenium trichomanes growing on the south face of the north wall of Kildalton Churchyard.
Kildalton Great Cross Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> . For the reverse see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5783377">NR4550 : Kildalton Great Cross</a>.
Kildalton Great Cross
Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see LinkExternal link . For the reverse see NR4550 : Kildalton Great Cross.
Kildalton Great Cross The reverse side. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> .
Kildalton Great Cross
The reverse side. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see LinkExternal link .
Hazel coppice in Coille nam Bruach Open deciduous woodland with Hazel and Birch.
Hazel coppice in Coille nam Bruach
Open deciduous woodland with Hazel and Birch.
Hazel coppice at Coille nam Bruach Along the road to Ardtalla. With roadside Dandelions and Primroses.
Hazel coppice at Coille nam Bruach
Along the road to Ardtalla. With roadside Dandelions and Primroses.
Show me another place!

Eilean an Droighinn is located at Grid Ref: NR4549 (Lat: 55.67293, Lng: -6.0425257)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///fool.heaven.ribcage. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

Nearby Locations

Eilean an Fhraoich Eilean an Droighinn

Related Wikis

Kildalton Cross
Kildalton Cross

The Kildalton Cross is a monolithic high cross in Celtic cross form in the churchyard of the former parish church of Kildalton (from Scottish Gaelic Cill...

Aros Bay
Aros Bay

Aros Bay is an embayment of ocean waters near the southeast of Islay, Scotland. == See also == Claggain Bay == Line notes == == References == Alexander...

Kildalton Castle
Kildalton Castle

Kildalton Castle is a ruined Victorian country house near Port Ellen on the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, Argyll, Scotland. It was built in ashlar...

Ardilistry
Ardilistry

Ardilistry is a settlement in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. == References ==

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.67293,-6.0425257
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 55.6692053/-6.0465854
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Eilean nan Gamhna Argyllshire
Eilean Bhrìde Argyllshire

Have you been to Eilean an Droighinn?

Leave your review of Eilean an Droighinn below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy