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EuropeUnited KingdomScotland

Dunoon

Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe

About Dunoon

Dunoon is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Sandbank, 24km from Loch Lomond.

Dunoon is a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 8,160, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Dunoon sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Dunoon to your route.

About Dunoon

Dunoon (; Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Omhain [t̪un ˈo.ɪɲ]) is the main town on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is located on the western shore of the upper Firth of Clyde, to the south of the Holy Loch and to the north of Innellan. As well as forming part of the council area of Argyll and Bute, Dunoon

Read more also has its own community council. It was a burgh until 1976. The early history of Dunoon often revolves around two feuding clans: the Lamonts and the Campbells. The town was a popular destination when travel by steamships was common around the Firth of Clyde; Glaswegians described this as going doon the watter. This diminished, and many holidaymakers started to go elsewhere as roads and railways improved and the popularity of overseas travel increased. In 1961, during the height of the Cold War, Dunoon became a garrison town to the United States Navy. In 1992, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, they closed their Holy Loch base in Sandbank, and neighbouring Dunoon suffered an economic downturn. Since the base's closure, the town and surrounding area are again turning to tourism, marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, as well as promoting festivals and competitions. The largest annual event held in the town is the Cowal Highland Gathering, which has been held since 1894. The Royal National Mòd has also been held in the town.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Dunoon

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Dunoon?

Dunoon offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Dunoon?

Plan your road trip to Dunoon with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Dunoon as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Dunoon located?

Dunoon is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 55.9503 latitude, -4.9273 longitude.

What is the population of Dunoon?

Dunoon has a population of approximately 8,160 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
8,160
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
55.9503, -4.9273

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomScotlandTown

Worth the detour from Dunoon

4 notable places within an hour's drive.

natural wonder

Loch Lomond

Britain's largest freshwater lake by surface area, where Highland mountains meet Lowland shores in a landscape immortalised in song.

24 km · about 30 min drive

cafe

The Oak Tree Inn

A popular stopping point on the A82 beside Loch Lomond, where road trippers heading to the Scottish Highlands pause to take in one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs.

29 km · about 35 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Rest and Be Thankful

A famous viewpoint at the top of Glen Croe where 18th-century soldiers carved the name into a stone after completing the military road.

31 km · about 35 min drive

museum

Riverside Museum

Glasgow's Zaha Hadid-designed transport museum on the Clyde, packed with classic cars, a recreated cobbled street of vintage vehicles, and the tall ship Glenlee moored outside.

40 km · about 45 min drive

Driving roads near Dunoon

  • 31 kmRest and Be ThankfulA famous viewpoint at the top of Glen Croe where 18th-century soldiers carved the name into a stone after completing the military road.
  • 64 kmElectric BraeFamous optical-illusion stretch of the A719 on the Ayrshire coast where cars appear to roll uphill. Drivers have pulled over to test the gravity-defying slope since the 1930s.
  • 71 kmGlen EtiveA remote single-track road winding past waterfalls and a Skyfall filming spot down to a sea loch, deep wilderness.
  • 77 kmBuachaille Etive MòrA perfect pyramid of a mountain guarding the entrance to Glen Coe, with Lagangarbh hut making the postcard shot.
  • 78 kmDevil's Staircase ViewpointThe highest point on the West Highland Way with stunning views of Buachaille Etive Mor and the Glencoe mountains.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

May to September

Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Dunoon.

Sandbank

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

4 km awayPop. 1,380

Inverkip

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 3,060

Gourock

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 km awayPop. 10,210

Kilcreggan

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 1,290

Wemyss Bay

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 2,580

Skelmorlie

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 1,990

Rosneath

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 1,260

Greenock

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 41,280

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence