Dun Cholla

Nearest town:
Lochgilphead (47km E)
OS reference:
NR37779152
OS sheet:
61
Latitude:
56° 2' 40.37 N
Longitude:
6° 12' 40.52 W
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Dun Cholla (Hillfort) by drewbhoy

The north outer wall leads to the dun’s highest point at the entrance.

Image credit: drew/AMJ
drewbhoy
drewbhoy Sep 10, 2024
Image of Dun Cholla (Hillfort) by drewbhoy

From the entrance looking north, Dun Eibhinn in the far distance.

Image credit: drew/AMJ
drewbhoy
drewbhoy Sep 10, 2024
Image of Dun Cholla (Hillfort) by drewbhoy

Defences both natural and man-made on the south side.

Image credit: drew/AMJ
drewbhoy
drewbhoy Sep 6, 2024
Image of Dun Cholla (Hillfort) by drewbhoy

The start of the northern wall, on top of the cliff.

Image credit: drew/AMJ
drewbhoy
drewbhoy Sep 6, 2024

Articles

Dun Cholla

drewbhoy
drewbhoy Feb 19, 2025

After taking in the wonderful views at Garvard we headed back, east, past Garvard farmhouse to the car park. From here I walked north on the B8085 until the first track that heads east. I followed this track to just before the first serious corner to approach the fort from the north east. The terrain here is also flatter and luckily fairly dry as the area had just missed the previous nights storms.

By taking this route the fort can be entered by the front door on the east, facing stones are still in place. Whoever built the fort must have strong, building stones that remain in place are huge. Most of the defences are on the east with the walls being almost 6m wide. Steep cliffs protect the other sides, their walls being only 2.5m wide. Beneath the south there is a tremendous amount of fallen building material. Even these walls must have been massive. They would have surrounded an area of about 54m east to west, and 25m north to south.

Views are fantastic, Jura, Islay, Oronsay can all be seen as well as views to the mainland. To the north Loch Cholla and my old / new friend Dun Eibhinn which dominates the centre of the island.

Fantastic site.

Visited 13/08/2024.

Folklore

Dun Cholla
Hillfort
drewbhoy
drewbhoy Sep 1, 2024

In the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, on the island of Colonsay, lies an ancient site of historical significance: Dùn Cholla. According to tradition, this hill fort was once the stronghold of Colla Uais, exiled from Ireland in the year 310. Adding another layer of historical significance to the site, it is said that St. Columba founded his first church in Scotland in the vicinity of Dùn Cholla. The area is steeped in history and shrouded in the mystical aura of the past, visitors can explore the remains of the ancient walls that once demarcated the fortress. Although historical details are fragmentary, the impact that figures like Colla Uais and St. Columba had on Scottish and Irish culture is undeniable. In addition to the archaeological remains, travelers passing through these lands can be enchanted by the panoramic views that stretch from the fort to the Atlantic. The surrounding landscape, characterized by pristine nature and a variety of wildlife, immersed in the tranquility of the Hebrides, offers a unique experience for those interested in the history and natural environment of the island of Colonsay.

Loquis

Sites within 20km of Dun Cholla

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