Everything you need to know when planning a trip to Dunure Castle

Everything you need to know when planning a trip to Dunure Castle. Dunure Castle is perhaps best known for featuring in the historical TV drama series Outlander. The series which is all about King James and the Jacobite rising was filmed at both the castle and the harbour, as well as other various locations around Ayrshire and Western Scotland. Although this may have put the castle on the map, rumour has it that it is one of the most photographed ruins in Scotland. Easy to see why with Dunure beach in the background. As it was only a few miles south of Ayr where staying we dropped in on the way back from Culzean Castle and Electric Brae.

Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the ruins of Dunure Castle

Where is Dunure Castle

The remains of the building, Dunure Castle is located on the West Coast of Scotland in South Ayrshire in the Abbey Lands. Only five miles South of Ayr it overlooks Ayr Bay in the Firth of Clyde on the Ayrshire coast. Set right on the cliff top you can use the postcode KA7 4LW to reach it. 

Parking at Dunure Castle

There is a small amount of parking in the harbour literally a couple of spaces. When we visited these were full. However, you can park right in front of the ruined castle in a field. There is a little hut that charges £1 for a motorbike and £2.50 for a car. There is no time limit and you can stay as long as you want. The car park fee goes towards the village and the harbour upkeep and benefits the local community. They only take cash so make sure you have the correct change with you on your visit. 

Can you go inside Dunure Castle?

There is not much of the castle left, it is castle ruins after all. Although you can go in the stone keep which is partly still standing. It has no roof so it’s not really inside! There is a metal set of stairs that have been put in that allow you to go up to the turret and look out over the coast. There is no charge to go inside and you will only need a few minutes to explore. The stairs do have a gate to lock them off. Visiting late afternoon and they were still open. It did not look like it was shut regularly but you may find out of season it is secured to stop vandals. Sadly there was a fair amount of rubbish left in one of the towers.

Outside on the castle wall, there are some information boards. These give you a short description of the history of the castle. Along with a suggested floorplan of what the castle could have looked like. The castle is the ancient seat of the Kennedys of Carrick and subsequently Earls of Cassilis. The original structure which would have stood in the same spot previously was built in the late 13th century with additions in both the 15th century and 16th centuries. Although the ruin is much later. It has a somewhat chequered past including Mary Queen of Scots being entertained at the castle by the 4th earl of Cassilis. The guest of Gilbert Kennedy as part of the royal tour during her short reign.

In 1704 the Barony of Dunure was acquired by Sir Thomas Kennedy of Kirkhill. The castle has been in the possession of direct descendants since then but became a ruin in the middle of the 17th century. Most likely due to a fire.

What is there to see and do at Dunure Castle?

As well as the castle there is easy access to a grey shingle Dunure beach. It is not very large but depending on the tide times there is the opportunity to paddle and explore various rock pools. With the ruins clinging onto the cliff edge. Right next to the castle is a rather smelly dovecot still used by the resident pigeon population. 

A short walk from the castle (signposted) there is a small harbour with a cafe and pub in the village of Dunure. Both are within easy walking distance of the carpark. The cafe sells a selection of drinks and tray bakes and was open during our visit. The pub which is called Anchorage Dunure was sadly shut when we visited. It is newly refurbished and looks like a lovely pub. But I fear like many others are struggling to get staff. Worth checking ahead to see if they are open and booking a table. You can find updated on the Anchorage Dunure Facebook Page.

Also right next to the carpark there is a playground that the boys both enjoyed playing in (ages 5 & 9). Plus if you look along the coast of Dunure Beach to the left while facing the sea there is also a mini labyrinth made out of stone paths and plants. 

Related Blog Posts

If you are thinking of visiting Ayrshire in Scotland then these other blog posts may interest you.

• Love a beach then don’t miss out on Ayr’s beautiful sandy beach with plenty of parking Ayr Beach.
• Just down the road from the castle is the optical illusion Electric Brae
• If you are spending a few days in the region then check out our week’s itinerary for visiting the North West of Scotland.
• We also visited the Isle of Arran during our visit.

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