Craigneil Castle
Standing on rocky outcrop in highly defensible position, there is much history associated with the place that is probably inaccurate
According to James Paterson in History of the Counties of Ayr & Wigton Scotland: Carrick, it was used by Robert Bruce in his battles in the area which cannot apply to the present building which is not old enough. The brother of Dlrymple of Stair was supposedly executed here in the C17.
As a Kennedy House it was used as a way station between their other more significant properties.
Today, the tower is ruined and requires a way across land to get to. You can view exterior and study close up as you wish.
Opening Times
Unmanned
Related Clans
KennedyTravel Directions to Craigneil Castle
Travel Directions
Exit B734 at Colmonell and turn south on Neilson Road. After Ford House turn right (West) . Stop after 300 yards or after road does big "meander", park car and then walk
Nearby Castles
-
Bardrochat
Bardrochat is a substantial country house standing high on a hill overlooking
the Ayrshire village of Colmonell, not far from Ballantrae. The house
commands impressive views of rolling hills, wooded copses and the sudden
inclines of ancient settlements, giving way to the open sea around the stubborn symmetry of Ailsa Craig. -
Ardstinchar Castle
Little survive to view of this 1450 Kennedy castle, only part of the keep some foundations. The castle was demolished in 1770 and the stone used to build a bridge.
-
Pinwherry Castle
16th century castle ruins in the grounds of Pinwherry House near the road. Dates from C16 and was a Kennedy family house.
-
Kirkhill Castle
The remnants of a 16th Century three storied Tower House with a garret in height. Occupied by the Kennedy’s, till 1843 when it was bought by one Col Barton of Ballaird, a hero of Waterloo, after which time it fell into disrepair. -
Knockdolian Castle
Supposedly a haunted castle (see below). Knockdolian Castle was a Graham castle before becoming a McCubbins stronghold. It is now a ruin.
Craigneil Castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Cottages Nearby
-
Carrick Cottage, Ballantrae - sleeps 5
These four holiday cottages on a 200 acre working farm and enjoy panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre and the Antrim mountains of Northern Ireland. 1/2 mile .... -
Horsehill Cottage, Ballantrae - sleeps 6
These four holiday cottages are on a 200 acre working farm and enjoy panoramic views over the sea to the Antrim mountains, Ailsa Craig and the Mull of Kintyre. This is a beautiful part of the .... -
Kyle Cottage, Ballantrae - sleeps 6
These four holiday cottages on a 200 acre working farm and enjoy panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre and the Antrim mountains of Northern Ireland. 1/2 mile .... -
Whim Cottage, Ballantrae - Sleeps 8
These four holiday cottages on a 200 acre working farm overlooking the Firth of Clyde enjoy panoramic views over the sea to the Antrim Mountains, Ailsa Craig and the Mull of Kintyre. This is a .... -
Harbour Cottage, Ballantrae, sleeps 4
Situated a mere 70 yards from the beach and boasting stunning views over the sea to Arran and the Irish Coast, this charming, semi-detached cottage is located in the pretty village of Ballantrae and sits d...
