List of castles in North Ayrshire Facts for Kids

Did you know that Scotland is famous for its amazing castles? North Ayrshire, a beautiful area in Scotland, is home to many of these historic buildings. Castles were often built hundreds of years ago to protect important people and their lands. They could be grand homes, strong towers, or even just foundations left from a long-lost building. Let's explore some of the fascinating castles you can find in North Ayrshire!

Castles of North Ayrshire

Ailsa Craig Castle

This castle is a tower located on Ailsa Craig, a small island off the coast near Girvan. Today, it is a ruin, meaning it's mostly fallen apart, but it still stands as a reminder of the past.

Ardrossan Castle

Ardrossan Castle today

You can find the ruins of Ardrossan Castle in the town of Ardrossan. This castle is open to the public, so you can visit and imagine what it was like centuries ago.

Auchenharvie Castle

Auchenharvie Castle ruins

Near Torranyard, you'll find the ruins of Auchenharvie Castle. It's a private site and can be dangerous, so it's best to admire it from a safe distance.

Hill of Beith Castle

Foundations of Hill of Beith Castle

This was once a tower castle built in the 17th century, located in Beith. Sadly, it was taken down in the 1750s, and today only its foundations remain.

Broadstone Castle

Near Beith, there used to be Broadstone Castle. It was completely demolished in 1850 to make way for a nearby farm, so no parts of it are left today.

Brodick Castle

Brodick Castle is a beautiful historic house located on the Isle of Arran. It is now looked after by the National Trust for Scotland, which means it's often open for visitors to explore its history and lovely grounds.

Clonbeith Castle

Doorway at Clonbeith Castle

The ruins of Clonbeith Castle are found near Auchentiber on a private farm. It's another glimpse into the past of North Ayrshire's fortified homes.

Cloncaird Castle

Located by Maybole, Cloncaird Castle is still a historic castle today. It is privately owned.

Little Cumbrae Castle

This tower castle was built in the 16th century and stands as a ruin near Cumbrae Island. It offers a dramatic view from the water.

Cunninghamhead Castle

Near Irvine, Cunninghamhead Castle once stood, but today there are no remains left to see.

Eglinton Castle

Eglinton Castle in the 1920s

The ruins of Eglinton Castle are located in Irvine. This castle is now part of Eglinton Country Park, a popular place for walks and outdoor activities. It is owned by North Ayrshire Council.

Fairlie Castle

Fairlie Castle in the 1840s

Fairlie Castle is a 15th-century tower castle that is now a ruin in Fairlie.

Giffen Castle

Near Barrmill, Giffen castle once existed, but like some others, no remains are left today. Parts of it were actually used to build the nearby Barrmill Mill.

Glengarnock Castle

Entrance to Glengarnock Castle

Glengarnock Castle is a tower castle found as a ruin in Kilbirnie. It's privately owned.

Hessilhead Castle

Hessilhead Castle in the 1800s

Near Lugton, you can find only scant remains of Hessilhead Castle. A Wildlife Rescue Centre now uses part of the old estate, helping animals in need.

Kelburn Castle

Kelburn Castle is a living castle that is open to the public. It's a great place to visit and see a castle that is still in use!

Kerelaw Castle

The ruins of Kerelaw Castle are in Saltcoats and are owned by North Ayrshire Council. It is fenced off because it can be dangerous, so it's not open for visitors to walk around inside.

Kersland Castle

Kersland Castle ruins

This 15th-century tower castle is now a ruin near Dalry, located at Easter Kersland Farm.

Kilbirnie Place

Kilbirnie Place is a 14th-century tower castle that is now a ruin near Kilbirnie, situated on a golf course.

Kildonan Castle

Kildonan Castle dates back to the 13th century.

Law Castle

Law Castle was built in the 15th century.

Lochranza Castle

Lochranza Castle on Arran Island

Located on Arran Island in Lochranza, Lochranza Castle is looked after by Historic Scotland. This means it's a protected site and often open for people to visit and learn about its past.

Monkcastle

Near Kilwinning, Monkcastle is now a ruin.

Montfode Castle

Montfode Castle was a fortified tower from the 16th century, near Ardrossan. Most of it has been taken down, but one tower and a small part of a wall still remain.

Montgreenan Castle

Foundations of the 'Bishop's Palace'

The ruins of Montgreenan Castle are near Kilwinning. It's also known as the 'Bishop's Palace'. Montgreenan House is a separate building nearby.

Pitcon

Pitcon was once a fortified tower near Dalry, but it has been demolished. An 18th-century mansion now stands near where the castle used to be.

Portencross Castle

Portencross Castle in 1900

Portencross Castle is a well-preserved castle that you can visit.

Roughwood Tower

Roughwood Tower was a fortified tower from the 15th century near Beith. It has been demolished, and now a farm with old outbuildings is on the site.

Seagate Castle

Seagate Castle in Irvine

Seagate Castle is a fortified townhouse from the 16th century, located in Irvine. It is a ruin and is owned by North Ayrshire Council. You can sometimes visit it during special "Doors Open Days."

Shewalton Castle

Shewalton Castle was a fortified tower in Irvine. It was demolished in 1806, and a mansion house was built on its site, which has also since been demolished.

Skelmorlie Castle

Skelmorlie Castle in the 1880s

Skelmorlie Castle is a 16th-century tower castle near Largs. It is still inhabited today, meaning people live there, and it has been changed quite a bit over the years.

Stanecastle

Stanecastle is a substantial ruin in Stanecastle, Irvine. It is owned by North Ayrshire Council and is accessible to the public and well looked after.

List of castles in North Ayrshire facts for kids

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