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Castles in Ayrshire

Ayrshire & Arran has many impressive castles that range from spectacular stately mansions to  historic ruins and edifices.

 

From Dundonald Castle to Rowallan Castle and Culzean Castle, Ayrshire castles remain testomonies of hundreds of years of political change and legacy.


Knockdolian Castle

Supposedly a haunted castle (see below). Knockdolian Castle was a Graham castle before becoming a McCubbins stronghold. It is now a ruin.

Maybole Castle

Another of the Kennedy Carrick castles from this dominant Carrick family. Still used by the factor of the local Kennedy estates. Can be viewed externally from the street. Most interesting for the mythological history.

Penkill Castle

Privately owned and occupied castle that had an interesting connection with the Pre-raphaelite art movement in the 19th century. Inhabited so cannot be visited. 

Portencross Castle

Ancient castle in picturesque spot on Firth of Clyde that is well worth a visit and a picnic afterwards on the forshore. Open most of the summer and can be viewed and enjoyed any time of year.

Thomaston Castle

Small ruined castle near Culzean Castle once owned by a nephew of Robert the Bruce. Now ruined but visitable. It is pretty intact in terms of the outside wall, but the interior is ruined.

Law Castle

Fifteenth century tower that was a gift to a royal princess and is now available as rental property. Near West Kilbride.

Mauchline Castle

Mauchline Castle, was built in the 1400s as a monastic residence for Melrose Abbey. Robert Burns is believed to have married Jean Armour in the castles dining room.

Montgreenan Castle

Site of old castle, possibly large one, but little remains except walling. Was belived to have been a Bishops Palace which another name for the castle

Pinwherry Castle

16th century castle ruins in the grounds of Pinwherry House near the road. Dates from C16 and was a Kennedy family house.

Stane Castle

Stanes Castle is a medieval barony and estate in North Ayrshire, Scotland, which dates back to 1363. Now it is part of the Irvine New Town project. It is located close to Bourtreehill and Girdle Toll.

Turnberry Castle

Now ruined but once the original home of Robert the Bruce and an important and substantial. Walk to view across Turnberry Golf course.

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