The modest entrance hall at Inveraray Castle comes as a surprise to most visitors, with an an interesting story behind it.

When originally designed, the Castle was to be entered by the South and when work commenced in 1746 the builders followed the architect's plans.  However, after the structure was complete, the 5th Duke changes his mind, and decided to move the entrance to the North side of the building.

When completed in 1789 what had originally been intended as a long gallery running the entire length of the building had been sub-divided, forming the Tapestry Drawing Room & State Dining Room either side of the modest entrance hall. In 1780 after the 5th Duke had taken occupation, the decoration was completed with the addition of the delicate Gothic plasterwork seen today.

Items on display in the hall include a portrait of John, 2nd Duke of Argyll by Sir Godfrey Kneller and a marble bust of of the 6th Duke by Samuel Joseph of Edinburgh. The decorated strong box commonly known as an 'armada chest' is German, circa 1600 and the display of cannon balls were recovered from Tobermory Bay on the Isle of Mull.