Caisteal Nan Con, The Castle of the Hounds, stands in a commanding position on a rocky promontory on the east shore overlooking the Sound of Mull. The late seventeenth building has been described as a’ three-storeyed hall house’ (tower house), thought to have been constructed by a tacksman of Killundine, Allan Maclean.  Little remains of the former dwelling house other than remnants of the boundary walls and some internal walls, although the south gable is relatively intact and to full height.  The entrance is in west wall from which a ‘bowed stair tower’ gave access to living quarters.  The foundations of an irregular shaped annex have also been identified by the north wall.   The construction is mass rubble masonry and there is evidence of a fire place on each floor in the southern wall.  The house stands on the site of a pre-historic fort.  The house was thought to have been abandoned in the early 18^th century.

The house is now invaded by flowering plants, including wood sage, lesser celandine, nettle and elderberry.  The walls are covered with lichens, and support maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes). 

The tower house and the scant remains of the ancient fort are probably best observed from a distance.

Access

Access to the Castle of the Hounds is rather tricky and should only by attempted at low tide. 

Park at lay-by near the Castle and make your way across the rocky shoreline and beach to the Castle.  The route can be very boggy.

You should also be aware the building is in a poor state of repair and there real risk of injury from falling masonry.  Please visit at your own risk, or simply observed from afar.