Photo source: Tony Webster from Portland, Oregon, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dundonald Castle is a castle in South Ayrshire, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Dundonald Castle
Dundonald Castle stands on a hill above the village of Dundonald, between Kilmarnock and Troon in South Ayrshire.
It was once the residence of Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce and the first king of the Stewart dynasty.
Its ruined walls and vaulted hall still dominate the ridge, visible for miles across the surrounding farmland.
Historic Environment Scotland looks after the site, working with the Friends of Dundonald Castle, and Historic Scotland members can visit free of charge.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Dundonald Castle
The hill carried earlier fortifications before the castle seen today, with the Stewart family holding the site as their stronghold prior to their rise to the throne. Robert II rebuilt the castle as a grand residence following his coronation in 1371, raising it over the remains of an older stone castle. Robert II died at the castle in 1390.
Architecture of Dundonald Castle
The standing remains are of a 14th-century tower house, built over the footings of at least one earlier medieval castle on the same hill, and include a notable barrel-vaulted hall on the upper floor.
Worth knowing
Dundonald was the ancestral seat of the Stewart family before Robert II's accession turned it into a royal castle, giving it a direct link to the start of Scotland's longest-reigning royal dynasty.
Plan your visit to Dundonald Castle
Places to visit near Dundonald Castle
Bachelors' Club, Tarbolton
View Bachelors' Club, Tarbolton on heritage mapKilwinning Abbey
View Kilwinning Abbey on heritage mapSt Brides Church
View St Brides Church on heritage mapCastle Semple Collegiate Church
View Castle Semple Collegiate Church on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 10 miles of Dundonald Castle there are 2 historic properties, including 1 museum and 1 abbey, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Dundonald Castle there are 12 historic properties, including 3 churchs, 3 castles and 2 museums, across Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
The hilltop stronghold where the Stewart dynasty, Scotland's longest-reigning royal house, began.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- South Ayrshire, Scotland
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