The castle is located on the west side of Scotland, nearly all the way to the Isle of Skye. It sits strategically at the point where three lakes merge, Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long.

It is traced back to the sixth century, its name first coming from the island on which it sits (Island of Donan) and possibly a celtic saint, Bishop Donan. Its tumulteous history includes occupation by many, the most notable being the Clan MacKenzies. It was pretty much destroyed in the 18th century and lay in ruins for two hundred years until life was brought back to it in 1911 by a Lt Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap . He spent his next twenty years restoring the castle to its present state.

Today it has a population of one and is owned by the Clan MacRae.