Troon
Kilmarnock, Prestwick and Troon
Intrduction | Ayr | Largs and Great Cumbrae Island | Irvine | Troon
Immediately north of Ayr, and well served by buses and trains from Ayr, is Prestwick, home of another fine Ayrshire golf course and also an international airport . If you need to stay in Prestwick try the C-D Parkstone Hotel, Esplanade, Tel 01292 477286, which also serves good bar meals. North of Prestwick the A77 turns northeast towards Glasgow, bypassing the distinctly uninspiring industrial town of Kilmarnock, best known as the home of Johnnie Walker whisky. It is also home to a little-known attraction Dean Castle and Country Park (follow signs from A77).
located opposite the Royal Troon Golf Course, it remained a family home until its conversion into a hotel in 1956 but it still retains the original country house character. more details about Piersland House Hotel
Set in parkland with a Rare Breeds Farm, this 14th-century Keep with 15th-century Palace houses a collection of European arms and armour, early musical instruments and items relating to Burns. Info: Apr-Oct daily with hourly tours from 1215 to 1615 weekdays and 1215-1515 weekends. Free. There is also a tearoom, (1000-1700 summer, 1100-1500 winter).
In the centre of Kilmarnock is the Dick Institute, Elmbank Avenue which has a fine collection of paintings, including works by Turner, and social and natural history collections. Info: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 0900-2000, Wed 0900-1700, Sat 1000-1700. Free. Tel 01563 554343. From Kilmarnock the A76 heads southeast to Dumfries, passing through Mauchline, where Robert Burns married Jean Armour and where their cottage is now another Burns Museum.
The A78 meanwhile runs northwards, passing the quiet, staid resort of Troon, famous amongst the golfing fraternity for its excellent golf course, Tel 01292-311555.
Troon is the Scottish port for Seacat Services to and from Northern Ireland.