20 Attractions to Explore Near Horse Isle

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.

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

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.

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.

Law Castle is situated on the lower slopes of Law Hill on the edge of West Kilbride, in North Ayrshire, Scotland. It is around 200 metres from the railway station. The castle is a simple rectangular structure with a sloped roof and several large chimneys protruding at each side. It is similar in character to other tower houses located nearby, including Little Cumbrae Castle and Skelmorlie Castle, and is a category A listed building.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

The Irvine Golf Club established 1887, is a fine example of links golf and is regularly used by the R&A as a Final Open Qualifying Course. Set in a seaside location, the neighbouring Gulf Stream ensures year round links golf, whilst the romantic peaks of Arran present a stunning backdrop to the landscape. It was over the links land of Scotland that the game of golf was born and still today the true links experience is unparalleled the world over.

Irvine Beach Park is an expanse of greenspace to the south of the mouth of the River Irvine in North Ayrshire. Today there is a fine sandy beach, beach pavilion, a network of paths, large boating pond, picnic area, a maze and a crazy golf course. There are also two significant public art works; namely a stone dragon.

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.

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.

Eglinton Castle is a very ruinous old mansion on the site of a castle, once the splendid seat of the Montgomery Earls of Eglinton. At its height it was second only to Culzean Castle in its grandeur and scale. Eglinton is best remembered for the lavish, if ill-fated Eglinton Tournament, a medieval-style tournament organised in 1839 by the 13th Earl. It was now one of the famous attraction in this area.

The Scottish Maritime Museum is an industrial museum with a Collection Recognised as Nationally Significant to Scotland. The museum is an independent museum operated by a charitable trust: the Scottish Maritime Museum Trust. It became operational in 1983. It is located at two sites in the West of Scotland in Irvine and Dumbarton, with a focus on Scotland's shipbuilding heritage.

Seagate Castle is a fortified mansion built by Hugh Montgomerie, the 3rd earl of Eglinton in 1565. It is the third castle on this site near the River Irvine and is the oldest structure in Irvine. The castle overlooks the oldest street in Irvine, which was once the main route between the town and the old harbour at Seagatefoot, which by 1606, was useless and abandoned due to silting. The remains of the castle are protected as a scheduled ancient monument.

A majestic museum which was home of the Irvine Burns Club. The museum offers a range of exhibits, artwork and information relating to the life and work of Scotland’s National Bard. Members of the club also volunteer their services to give visitors guided