Plato's Places to Go No.2 - Dunure Village and Castle

If you're ever in Ayrshire in Scotland, make sure you have a stop of at the village of Dunure. It's a great little place just a ten to fifteen minute drive south of Ayr.

I must confess that there's not really much to it. Dunure is a traditional fishing village and it's current form dates back to the early 1800s. It has a small, stone walled harbour (with three swans in residence who aren't afraid to have a swim out to sea), a few little streets, some houses (as you would expect) and a nice little Inn called.... the Dunure Inn of course!

It may be small but it's perfectly formed and it even has a castle, called.... wait for it..... Dunure Castle! The castle is now a ruin but you're perfectly free to pick through the interesting shell at your own leisure. I always think that places like Dunure Castle have a more historic feel than their Edinburgh or Stirling counterparts as you become quickly aware on visiting the big two that a lot of the sites were rebuilt in recent times. When you're standing in the ruins of Dunure Castle, watching the sun slide down the side of Ailsa Craig and into the water beyond, you get a nice warm feeling despite the rather fresh sea breeze. It's just an experience that Stirling & Edinburgh can't offer.

Dunure Castle itself, stands on the edge of a cliff and dates back to before the 13th century. It was originally the seat of the Kennedys of Carrick who were eventually bestowed with the Earldom of Cassillis. The 4th Earl entertained Mary, Queen of Scots in the castle between the 4th and 7th of August 1563.

In 1570 the 4th Earl also took it upon himself to roast the Commendator of Crossraguel Abbey until he transferred some of the Abbey's lands across to him. The poor bloke reportedly took two turns of the spit before yielding. Not to worry though, the Commendator lived to a ripe old age regardless and the 4th Earl died a few years later when his horse fell on him.

So, the short and tall of it is to get Dunure if you get the chance...