http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541 http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541 http://ie2.trivago.com/images/layoutimages/logos/default.png http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i5834218 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:20:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/review-o465711 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:53:00 +0100
The reformation mobs sacked the cathedral in 1560, and the town of Dunkled itself was destroyed during the Jacobite uprising, after the battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. Thus, most of the historic buildings of the current Dunkeld date to late 17th and early 18th centuries.

The cathedral has been rebuilt and extended a few times up to the 15th century and thus the architecture of the current building has Gothic and Norman elements. Part of the nave (the original choir) is still a functioning (Church of Scotland) church, while the main nave and the tower remain a picturesque and well preserved ruin.

The Cathedral is located in extensive grounds on the banks of the river Tay. For this as well as the centre of town, I like to park in the large Dunkeld North car park (it's free out of season), which is to the left of the main Atholl Street, just past the main shopping drag, and then make my way round the park to the side gate to the cathedral. It's a nice little walk in itself, through a wooded parkland area, with views to the hills north of the town.

The cathedral is managed by Historic Scotland and as with many of their lesser properties, the entrance is free. A leaflet guide as well as a free audio tour is available inside. The Chapter House (small chamber adjacent to the church) houses a very informative small exhibition about the history of the town and its connection with the Dukes of nearby Atholl,

There is an active Friends of the Cathedral organisation, and their members are often present in the church to offer a information and answer question. To me, this is such a very British thing, the old genteel ladies (and sometimes men) in beloved historic churches to welcome, and guide the visitors: from Canterbury to Dunkeld, we have been informed and enlighten by such volunteers as much as any guidebooks or printed materials.

The site has a fantastically beautiful setting, between the banks of the fast-flowing Tay and the wooded hills, and the building itself is both interesting and attractive to look at. But there is also a tremendous sense of history here, and despite the battles and sackings, there is also peace. The church itself but particularly its grounds, wooded and with grassy banks sloping towards the river, bring about a contemplative mood,

Many old religious sites have this kind of feel, possibly there is something in the lie of the land, often connected with rivers or hills, that strikes a natural chord , or maybe it's just a semi-conscious awe in the face of the accumulated thousands-years' of people coming to those places to worship.

Whichever it is, and even if you are immune from such vibrations, Dunkeld cathedral and grounds are well worth visiting.

Opening times (cathedral and grounds):

April-September 9.30am - 6.30pm
October-March 9.30am - 4.00pm

http://www.dunkeldcathedral.org.uk/
]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i36982 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:20:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i36980 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:17:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i36978 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:14:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i36974 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:11:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i36972 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:07:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i28562 Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:47:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i28561 Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:46:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i28560 Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:40:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i28559 Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:37:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.trivago.co.uk/dunkeld-41938/church--cathedral--monastery/dunkeld-cathedral-139541/picture-i28558 Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:35:00 +0100 ]]>