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ISO Charming small Scottish town near Skye

We love the town of Dingle Ireland, looking for a town near Isle of Skye in Scotland with similar charm as Dingle. Preferably on a coastline or waterway, and on the east side of Skye or just off the Isle of Skye.

Thanks in advance

Posted by
8065 posts

You'd be more likely to find something like Dingle (I had to look it up as I have never been to ireland) in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull,. It's a lovely and charming town that sits right on the harbor and you can access so many places on the island from there, including Iona.

Posted by
2305 posts

There is Plockton which is about 5 miles from Kely of Lochalsh, but this is more of a village than a town... This is probably the prettiest place in the local area, but nowhere near the size of Dingle.

Failing that, you other choice would be Portree which is the main settlement on Skye. It is bigger than Plockton with more facilities.
This is the classic picture.

Be warned accommodation around here does book up very quickly and you need to start booking 6-9 months before visiting to get the place you want.

Posted by
1468 posts

Hi, drasch,

I'd second Wasleys suggestion of Plockton. It's definitely a charming village, but nowhere near the size of Dingle. There is live traditional music on Thursdays at one of the hotels, and if you're really lucky, there may be a concert going on at the Plockton Music School (Sgoil Chiuil na Gaidhealtachd). Those kids are fantastic! Also, if you're there in season, a boat trip with Calum's Seal Cruises is definitely fun!

Other choices are Kyle of Lochalsh, which is not particularly charming, or across the bridge in Kyleakin. Kyleakin is not nearly as busy, but has good views across the Kyle to the mainland, a good walk to Castle Moil, and spectacular sunsets with the Skye Bridge in the foreground.

Last, but certainly not least, is the village of Glenelg. It's a village in the true sense of the word. It is spread out over a couple of miles, and includes the hamlet of Arnisdale. However, it is best known as the departure site for the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry, one of the last operating turntable ferries in the world, which takes you over to Skye. The ferry operates from April to October. No need to make a reservation - you just show up and go. There are two Iron Age brochs in Glenelg.

I hope that has given you some possibilities. If you're really stuck, Breakish, just outside of Broadford, has some great B&Bs overlooking Broadford Bay and the Red Cuillins.

Best wishes for your travels!

Mike (Auchterless)