Dunure Castle
19 Castle Road, Dunure, Ayr, Scotland, KA7 4LW
Perched dramatically on the Firth of Clyde coast in Scotland, the ruins of Dunure Castle appear to tumble into the Atlantic Sea. The castle’s gruesome history—the last abbot of Crossraguel was notoriously roasted on a spit here—attracts history buffs and ghost hunters alike, while its rural location promises no crowds and natural panoramas.
The basics
Dating all the way back to 1200 AD, Dunure Castle is swathed in history; that being said, visiting with a guide is essential to ensure you’re party to information that puts the ruins into context. Day tours of Dunure Castle and the Ayrshire Coast typically depart from Glasgow and also cover historic highlights—such as the 18th-century Culzean Castle, Whitelee Windfarm, and Alloway—the hometown of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
Things to know before you go
- Dunure Castle is a must-visit for history buffs and photographers looking to capture Scotland’s rugged Atlantic coast.
- The castle ruins have a picnic area and car park facilities, and are close to the toilets and playground of Kennedy Park.
- The uneven surfaces surrounding the castle mean that it’s not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
How to get there
From central Glasgow, it takes around one hour to reach Dunure Castle by car. You can also take the train from Glasgow Central Station and disembark at Ayr, from which the castle is around 30 minutes by bus. For maximum convenience, opt for a tour that includes round-trip transfers.
When to get there
The castle is open year-round by the opening hours vary depending on the time of year, with shorter hours during the winter months. The ruins are particularly impressive to visit at sunset.
The Outlandish Treasure Trail
The nearby fishing village of Dunure was regularly used as a filming location for the hit TV show Outlander. As well as a charming harbor and a beach, Dunure boasts a virtual treasure trail that takes you to Dunure Castle, across the shoreline, and down hidden paths that you may not have found on your own. The trail is available to download as an app on your mobile.
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