By Alaric 
Are you looking for all the places where you can find Isle of Skye fairies? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
If there is one part of the world that could convince me that fairytales are real, it would be Scotland.
The entire country makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another world of myth and magic.
But, if you really love folklore, you must make a trip to the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands.
Not only does the landscape look straight from a storybook but there are enchanted places you can visit that are said to be blessed by the fae.
From charming glens, sparkling waterfalls, historic castles and old bridges, it’s an adventure you won’t forget and you’re never too old for fairytales.
Here are all the Isle of Skye fairy locations and things to do there!
“One day you’ll be old enough to read fairytales again” – C.S. Lewis
1. Fairy Glen
One of the most popular fairy locations on the Isle of Skye is the Fairy Glen.
Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, this mystical place looks like you’ve been transported to another universe with its otherworldly landscape.
Now, the reason why it’s called the Fairy Glen is a bit of a mystery as there aren’t any notable fae legends associated with it.
However, you can still take a walk around the evocative emerald plain and climb the ruins of Castle Ewen.
In the middle, you’ll find a Fairy Circle. Legend has it that if you follow the labyrinth correctly, you can call on the fae and make a wish. Here’s how to do it;
- Pick a piece of grass, leaf or flower from the outside
- Enter the labyrinth following it clockwise to the centre
- Once you reach the middle, place your offering and make your wish
- Put a hand behind your back and walk backwards, anti-clockwise out of the labyrinth
Then, all that is left is to wait and see how long it takes for the fairies to grant your wish!
2. Fairy Pools
If there is one hike you must do on the Isle of Skye, it’s to the spectacular Fairy Pools.
It’s a scenic trail, surrounded by the Cuillin mountain range where you can visit enchanting waterfalls and swim in crystal-clear aqua lagoons.
As the name suggests, these breathtaking pools have a certain amount of mystery and legend about them.
Fairies are rumoured to swim here in the moonlight along with selkies and magic folk.
In Gaelic, their name is Allt Coir’ a’ ‘Mhadaidh which roughly translates into ‘burn of the wolf’.
Although there are no famous fae legends that took place here, there was an important battle between two feuding clans.
The MacLeods of Dunvegan and the MacDonalds of Sleat fought in the battle of Coire na Creiche in 1601.
It’s otherwise known as the Wars of the One-Eyed Woman and it’s said that the fight was so horrific that the water ran red.
Clan Macleod still have their seat on the island today and there are lots of fairy legends associated with them.
3. Dunvegan Castle
Most of the stories of Isle of Skye fairies originate from Clan McCleod of Dunvegan Castle.
They own the famous Fairy Flag, or Am Bratach Sith, which dates back to the 4th century!
It’s rumoured to have mystical powers that helped the clan win significant battles in their history
Indeed, Dunvegan Castle is the only Highland Fortress occupied by the same family for 800 years.
It’s well worth visiting when you’re on the Isle of Skye due to its historic exhibitions, gorgeous gardens and boat rides to see wildlife.
If you’re into folklore, you will also love learning about the many fairy stories attached to the castle and clan.
4. Fairy Flag
Many people say that the long success of Clan McCleod on Skye is due to their Fairy Flag.
There are a few tales of how this magical flag came to be that speak of crusaders, evil spirits and prophecies.
However, my favourites are the tales of The Fairy Bridge and the Fairy Tower. The Fairy Bridge version is thus;
Once upon a time, a fairy princess married a MacLeod Chieftain and lived together in Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye.
As she belonged to the Seelie Court she was only permitted to live with him in the human world for a year and a day.
During their time together they had a son and, before she left for Fairyland, she bundled him up in a silken shawl.
They parted ways at The Fairy Bridge and she told the chief that he could wave the flag to protect the clan.
But, there was a condition that he could only use this powerful magic three times.
True enough, it is documented that during two major clan battles the MacLeod Chief waved the flag to secure victory like in the Battle of the Spoiling of the Dyke.
To this day, The Fairy Flag is revered by the clan and now proudly hangs in Dunvegan Castle.
It’s one of their most precious possessions and you can see it during a tour of the fortress in a display case.
The woven silk is worn and tattered but it’s in great condition for its age as it’s over 1500 years old!
5. Fairy Tower
Another version of the Fairy Flag legend relates to the Fairy Tower at Dunvegan Castle.
Once upon a time, a great feast was being held at the fortress and a nurse put the Chief’s son to bed in his cradle in the Fairy Tower.
She then joined the party and the baby became restless kicking off his blanket.
A Fairy came to comfort him and wrapped him in a soft silken shawl.
When the nurse returned to collect the child and removed the blanket, the room became filled with unseen singers singing the Fairy Lullaby.
You can’t walk up the Fairy Tower today but you can see the steps that lead up to it during a tour.
6. Fairy Bridge
Although it’s easy to shrug off these Isle of Skye fairies as mere fiction, it does make you second guess when you can visit locations from the legends.
I was so excited to learn that you can visit the famous Fairy Bridge just over a mile from Dunvegan Castle.
This is the place where the fairy princess and the MacLeod Chieftain parted ways and she gifted him her magical shawl.
To many, it just looks like an old bridge. But, for those who love myths and magic, it’s a romantic place worth seeing.
Another reason to visit is that this is an understated attraction on the Waternish Peninsula, so you can relax here without the crowds.
There’s a small parking area next to the bridge and I loved having lunch on the river bank in the sun.
It was so peaceful and I highly recommend adding it to your Isle of Skye itinerary.
7. Sligachan Old Bridge
Another magical location on the Isle of Skye is Sligachan Old Bridge.
This is not only due to it being an incredible viewpoint of the Cullin Mountain range but also because of the enchanted water beneath.
According to legend, Scáthach was a female warrior who was an expert in warfare and trained in the Fort of Shadows.
An Irish demi-god Cú Chulainn heard of her skills and was unhappy he could be beaten.
So, he sailed over to Skye to prove who was the strongest fighter.
Scáthach and Cú Chulainn fought tirelessly and it became apparent that they wouldn’t give up until one of them was dead.
Scáthach’s daughter, Uathach, feared for her mother and so pleaded with the fairies at Sligachan Bridge. Her tears flowed into the sacred river.
The fae heard her plight and asked her to dip her face in the water so she could gain knowledge to stop the fight.
Uathach then created a huge banquet so the two fighters could rest and eat.
However, they realised that Cú Chulainn had broken bread with Scáthach.
Out of respect and tradition of hospitality, Cú Chulainn could no longer fight as a guest in her home and so a truce was called.
Today, the magic of this water remains and the Isle of Skye fairies will bless you with eternal beauty if you follow a sacred ritual.
You must get on your hands and knees and submerge your entire face in the water for 7 seconds.
When you stand up, don’t wipe the water off and leave it to dry naturally. You’ll then be blessed with good looks for life!
8. Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is one of the best walks on the Isle of Skye, but did you know that this area is home to another fairytale?
Indeed, the ‘Old Man’ is a prominent needle of rock that sticks out on the magical landscape of The Sanctuary.
There are many legends associated with how this rock formation was formed.
The most popular being that a giant died there and his body was covered by the earth.
Only his thumb remains sticking out on the hills…or some believe it’s something a little more crude.
Another legend speaks of an elderly couple who would walk this path daily.
Eventually, the wife became too old to walk and so the heartbroken husband pleaded with the fae to help her.
The fairies offered a bargain that promised she would be by his side eternally, and the husband was delighted!
But, he should have been wary of fae bargains. As soon as the deal was struck they were both turned to stone and here they remain forevermore.
Whatever you decide to believe, you cannot deny that the Trotternish Peninsula is truly an otherworldly place.
You can visit these Isle of Skye fairies by taking the hike but make sure to read my complete walking guide before you go.
Looking for more things to do on the Isle of Skye?
Beyond running away with the Isle of Skye fairies, there are plenty more magical places to visit on the island.
On the Trotternish Peninsula, you must drive to the incredible Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls.
You can then head to Lealt Waterfall near the Old Man of Storr and onto Duntulm Castle and the Museum of Island Life.
Did you know that there are plenty of Dinosaur remains on Skye? You can find a museum and even footprints at An Corran Beach.
The Quiraing is another landscape that will take your breath away! It’s a fabulous walk that provides spectacular views over the Isle of Skye.
Don’t forget to pop by Portree to go shopping, eat, and see a view of the colourful houses.
After you visit Dunvegan Castle, I also recommend driving to Neist Point to walk over the cliffs to the lighthouse. The views are out of this world.
Read more of my Scotland travel guides
Are Duntulm Castle ruins haunted?
Visit Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
How to visit the Green Loch Aviemore
Visiting the Puck’s Glen Fairy trail
How to ride the Hogwarts Express in Scotland
Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland
Edinburgh Harry Potter filming locations
How to Find Dumbledore’s Grave
How to see Eilean Donan for free
How to visit the Balmoral Pyramid
Visit the Pink House on Loch Glass
A complete guide for the Steall Falls walk
How to find the Corpach Shipwreck
How to find the Kilchurn Castle viewpoint
Magical Dunrobin Castle in Scotland
How to visit the Kelpies in Falkirk
How to visit the Wee White House in Glen Coe
A complete guide for the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
Outlander locations you can visit in Scotland
How to visit Lallybroch from Outlander
Save the Isle of Skye Fairies of Scotland for later!
