20 Attractions to Explore Near Law Castle

Irish Law is a mountain summit in the The Clyde Muirshiels – Ardrossan to Greenock region in the county of North Ayrshire, Scotland. Irish Law is 484 metres high with a prominence of 80 metres. On the farm road which approaches the peak, there are a number of green huts which are used as holiday dwellings or allotments. Huts of this type were first used as retreats for military servicemen and are now commonly used by families and pensioners, although their number in Scotland has declined.

The Barony Centre is a stunning conversion of an old church and winner of several architectural awards. It was set within a wonderfully restored church, The Barony Centre boasts an impressive Exhibition space; 2 upstairs studios and a meeting room that are available to hire; a Gallery Shop offering an eclectic range of work by local and national Makers and Artists; and an award winning Cafe.

Hunterston Castle was originally situated in an area of marsh, and was defended by a moat and rampart, all of which have now disappeared. It now consists of a rectangular, 16th century, keep, three storeys aand a garret high. A 17th century addition extends to the S, with modern work to the W, the whole forming three sides of a courtyard. The early addition is two storeys and an attic in height, part of it is still occupied. The estate was granted to the Hunters by David I of Scotland in the 12t

Portencross Castle, also known historically as Portincross Castle, is situated in Portencross, on the west coast of Scotland, about 3 km from West Kilbride. The site has been fortified since the 11th Century. The present tower castle is thought to date from the mid-14th Century and later. It remained in use until it was unroofed by a great storm in 1739 and gradually became ruinous. The castle was designated as a scheduled ancient monument in 1955.

Ayrshire Coast Path is a spectacular 62-mile walk along a scenic coastline brimming with unforgettable sights. Beginning in Girvan, the trail winds its way along clifftops and sandy beaches, visiting an array of charming fishing settlements and historic landmarks along the way. The route is primarily designed for walkers, and as much of the middle and north sections are alongside beaches it is also suitable for horse riding. The northern section, between Ayr and Largs, is coincident with Nationa

Horse Isle is an uninhabited island located in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland near the seaside town of Ardrossan. It is a nature reserve, run by the RSPB. Two smaller islands, North Islet and East Islet, skirt the east coast of Horse Isle and a number of other rocks litter the sound between the island and the mainland. The 1788 survey of the Montgomery or Eglinton Estates by John Ainslie was completed in 1791 and records the name 'Robinson's Rock' off the East Islet and "Witherow's Rock" off the W

Ardrossan Castle is situated on the west coast of Scotland in the town of Ardrossan, Ayrshire. The castle, defended by a moat, stands on a ridge above the town. There is a keep dating from the fifteenth century, and a vaulted range containing a kitchen and cellars. In a deep passageway there is a well. Part of the keep remains up to the corbels of the parapet, but it is in ruins. The original castle, owned by Clan Barclay, was partly destroyed during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

This beautiful castle sits on a tidal island adjacent to Little Cumbrae House on the east side of the island. It is a plain keep of the 14th century and comparible in the style to nearby Law, Fairlie and Skelmorlie Castles. The present small square castle of Little or Lesser Cumbrae was built by Lord Eglinton in the 16th century, possibly as a base to prevent deer and rabbit poaching; both animals being very common on the main island of Little Cumbrae at the time.

The Heritage Centre is housed in the former Ardrossan Parish Church which was built in 1773 on the site of an earlier church of 1744. North Ayrshire Museum was established in 1957 by Owen Kelly, a local businessman, to preserve items of local interest. It was run as a private concern until 1975 when Cunninghame District Council shouldered the responsibility of looking after the building and collection. In 2010 the Museum merged with Local and Family History Library to become the North Ayrshire H

Kelburn Castle is a large house near Fairlie, North Ayrshire, Scotland. It is the seat of the Earl of Glasgow. Originally built in the thirteenth century it was remodelled in the sixteenth century. In 1700 the first Earl made further extensions to the house in a manner not unlike a French château which is virtually how it appears today. In 1977 the house and grounds opened to the public as a country park. It is one of the oldest castles in Scotland and has been continuously inhabited by the same

Kerelaw Castle is an altered massive ruined 13th- or 14th-century tower and courtyard, which is much overgrown. It was situated on the coast of North Ayrshire, Scotland in the town of Stevenston. Kerelaw Castle is now a ruin, with three walls surviving in various states of decay. Gothic windows still adorn the southern wall, believed to have been inspired by those at Kilwinning Abbey

Stevenston is a sandy beach curving gently round a bay between Irvine and Saltcoats. The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes and lies in an area which has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve. The dunes here are a local Nature Reserve with an all abilities path and bridge. It is ranked as the fifth most important sand dune system in Ayrshire.

Dalgarven Mills are situated in a tranquil rural setting directly off the A737, halfway between Kilwinning and Dalry. The Museum is housed in the historic grain mill constructed in 1880. Beautifully restored buildings offer the visitor a chance to step into the past. Experience the sight and sound of one of Scotland’s last working water wheel, powered by the River Garnock.

Millport Golf Club is a delightful, unique golf course situated on the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde. This 5,828 yard 18 hole par 68 course offers a challenge for golfers of all abilities. The course opened in 1888 and was redesigned following recommendations by legendary golf architect James Braid in 1913.

Great Cumbrae is a tiny island which is enormously memorable! Merely four miles in length and two miles wide, the island is reached by ferry crossing from Largs, with Great Cumbrae as a whole often conflated with Millport, its only town. Cumbrae is famously popular for cyclists of all ages thanks to a safe 10 mile, mostly flat, circular loop around the island.

The Pencil was built in 1912, to commemorate the Battle of Largs 1263, when the Scots defeated King Haco of Norway's troops on the shore at Largs, after the 160 long ships got caught in a storm. The Pencil is built of whinstone and stands 70 feet high and is topped by a conical cap. The style is modelled after the round towers at Abernethy and Brechin, wrongly thought by historians at the time to have been built for defence against the Norse.

Kilwinning Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded sometime around 1162. A rich, flourishing monastery for 400 years, it once covered several acres. As an incredibly wealthy establishment, the Abbey and its contents proved dangerously attractive to the aristocracy and it is recorded that the Earls of Glencairn and Angus joined forces as early as 1512, entered the abbey precincts, and tried to physically force Abbot William Bunche to resign in favour of the preceptor of Glasgow, John Forman.

Cleeves Cove is a cave system on the Dusk Water close to Dalry near Cleeves Farm and Blair Mill on the Blair Estate.n It has around 500 feet of passages. The cave has three practical entrances facing onto the Dusk Water. Many of the stalactites and stalagmites have been damaged by visitors. The cave has three practical entrances facing onto the Dusk Water.

A beautiful museum which was run by volunteers from the Largs Historical Society.Since 1975 it has been housed in one of the oldest building in Largs. The museum has displays on the history of the town and the surrounding area, local family history, overseas links especially with Australia, the ship HMS Largs, and so on.

Eglinton Country Park is a huge favourite open space for the local community in Ayrshire. Situated in the Garnock valley, Between Kilwinning and Irvine, this local treasure has something for everyone. This country park is set in 400 hectares of land cantered around the ruins of Eglinton Castle. Car parking is easy here and is extended for busy periods and special events. The visitor centre area boasts an information centre with local history exhibits, park maps, gift ideas and a cafe.