Dun nan Gall Broch

Perched majestically on Mull’s west coast, overlooking Ballygown Bay, stand the circular remains of Dun nan Gall Broch. This impressive Iron Age structure, dating back approximately 2,000 years, was once a formidable defensive and domestic tower. Although now largely reduced to low walls, its sheer scale—a thick, double-skinned stone wall—is still evident, hinting at its once commanding presence in the landscape.

Dun nan Gall is a classic example of a broch, a type of drystone tower unique to Scotland, built with incredible skill by Iron Age communities. Visitors can still discern parts of an internal staircase within the walls, offering a tangible connection to the people who once lived and defended themselves within this sophisticated structure. Its strategic coastal position provided excellent views and control over the surrounding area, vital for trade and defence in ancient times.

Exploring the remnants of Dun nan Gall provides a vivid insight into Mull’s Iron Age past, offering a sense of the ingenuity and resilience of its early inhabitants. The broch stands as a testament to their architectural prowess and their ability to thrive in a challenging environment, while also serving as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the decline of once-mighty strongholds.