Dunure Castle Reviews Summary

Castle and Ruins

Pros:

• "Dunure Castle is now but a ruin but it is still well worth a visit."
• "You can go into the castle ruins to a point with lots of information explaining what each section was used for."
• "Loved visiting here! Very interesting place to visit and have a noisy, great concept with being able to still go inside and up into the ruins since there's been some metal stairs built in so you can take in the views from inside the ruins."
• "Castle on cliff top setting with some areas inside to explore."
• "The castle itself is easy to explore. It's not huge, but has some proper metal staircases to help you get around and a few plaques with interesting facts on it."
• "Beautiful castle ruins, lots of parking and just a gentle walk from the car to the castle."
• "The ruins are exceptionally well preserved and thought has been taken to keep it that way."

Cons:

• "The castle grounds are too hilly and the path to the beach is very unsafe."
• "Now a little tatty with graffiti, litter and faded information boards."
• "The castle itself is ruinous and there isn’t too much to see or explore."
• "The castle itself is not mobility friendly so if you have issues walking up and down steps you may not be able to get into what's left the castle."
• "Much of the castle remains closed though. The interpretation boards are all quite faded and difficult to read with very small text."
• "It's nothing more than just a ruin which you can't get into very far."
• "Unfortunately the ugly fencing defending the less safe areas mean careful framing of the castle for photographs is required."

Views and Surroundings

Pros:

• "Spectacular views from a cliff at a place full of history and ancient tales."
• "The views out over the sea are amazing, on a normal day you can see over to The Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig and on a really good day you can see all the way over to Ireland."
• "The scenery here is difficult to beat. The beach is spectacular and the harbour is like something out of a film set."
• "Wonderful views and very photogenic."
• "One of the most amazing places in Scotland, the coastline, the rocks in the sea, view of Arran and lovely ruins of castle from where amazing views open up."
• "Fabulous views."
• "The view is astonishing 🥰"

Cons:

• "Beach mostly rocks and stones."
• "The area just past the harbour was an Outlander filming location."
• "Take everything you need with you as there are no real shopping facilities."
• "Glass bottles of beer everywhere in the football/basketball park, had to pay to use the car park."
• "It would be a bit dreary on a rainy day."
• "Some areas closed for safety reasons."
• "Make sure you are paying attention because there are a lot of sudden drops."

Facilities and Amenities

Pros:

• "Great location with parking and toilet facilities."
• "Very reasonable parking costs and lots of space."
• "It also has a decent playpark for kids to run around and play."
• "The toilets are decent and well maintained."
• "Also toilets, kids play park and plenty of parking as well as walking trails."
• "Public toilets (contactless payment of 20p) ruins, BBQ spots, multi use games area, short walk to village harbour."
• "There is a nice park for the children."

Cons:

• "Important to know that you can no stay for the night even in your car."
• "The toilet have a charge on them though so if you're going and may need the loo take 30p each trip you may need!"
• "The restaurant is extortionate and the cafe is barely stocked, I left the car park with a burst tyre and a lost phone lol. nicer beaches in Scotland to go to."
• "You then have to pay 30p to use toilet facilities."
• "Didn't realise you had to pay for parking though."
• "Enjoyed our visit but after paying £2 -30 for car parking I found it a bit much having to pay 30p to use the toilet facilities, especially when you are with children who need the toilet at different times."
• "The fact they charge for parking on the grass is stupid."

Accessibility and Parking

Pros:

• "Easy to park, plenty of benches to sit and take in the amazing views."
• "Good parking (but expensive) Fortunately there was no one there to take the money."
• "Plenty of parking in the grassy area to the side."
• "Castle is accessible and free."
• "We managed to park close by the castle in the early evening for free."
• "Car park with no fee charged is right next to the castle. Green grass field with a lot of space is a plus."
• "You can leave your car in a car park for £2 for a whole day and explore the area."

Cons:

• "The castle grounds are too hilly and the path to the beach is very unsafe."
• "Although not an easy path to the beach, well worth a trip to the shoreline."
• "Can be quite difficult to find a parking spot in the summer."
• "Parking costs £2,50 at the castle for all day, but plenty of space to park."
• "Parking can cost a couple of quid, though."
• "The carpark is now charging £2.50 as from April 2023."
• "Car park costs £2.50 and you can return any time during the day."