Kirkoswald

About Kirkoswald

The pretty village of Kirkoswald is more than just a stop on the way to Turnberry or Girvan. With links to Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns, the village is a conservation area, centered around an ancient church that was built by monks in 1244. 

These impressive ruins are still worth visiting and contain the baptismal font of Robert the Bruce. The ‘new’ church was built in 1777, to a design by Robert Adam, the celebrity architect responsible for Culzean Castle’s grandeur. 

Robert Burns’ maternal ancestors came from Kirkoswald, and many of his characters were based on ordinary village folk, such as Tam O’Shanter and Souter Johnnie – you can even visit the home of the cobbler who was made famous in the poem.  

The parish of Kirkoswald also includes the village of Maidens, Turnberry Castle, Thomaston Castle and the imposing ruins of Crossraguel Abbey.

Find out more

Map

Things To Do

Kirkoswald
Statues of Tam o Shanter and Souter Johnnie

Souter Johnnie's Cottage

Souter Johnnies’s cottage is now in the care of The National Trust for Scotland, and is packed with artefacts from...
Kirkoswald
Entrance to the whisky experience

A.D. Rattray Whisky Shop

A. D. Rattray Whisky Shop is an independent whisky company with over 150 years of experience in selecting and maturing...

What's On

Kirkoswald
A promotional poster for the “Anatomy of Nature” exhibition by Roy Burgoyne and Jenny Haslimeier. The top section features a photograph of ceramic artworks—three earthy-toned vessels and a decorative bowl set outdoors among plants. Below, the title “Anatomy of Nature” is in elegant serif font. Text below provides details: “An exhibition by Roy Burgoyne and Jenny Haslimeier. National Trust for Scotland, Souter Johnnie’s Cottage Gallery, Main Rd, Kirkoswald, KA19 8HY. Open Friday to Monday, 11am – 4pm. Exhibition runs from Friday 30th May until Monday 30th June.” Illustrations of a rose and feathers adorn the bottom right. The National Trust for Scotland logo is in the lower left.
Friday 30 May - Monday 30 June 2025
Friday to Monday, from 11am - 4pm
Free

Anatomy of Nature Exhibition

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