Dunure Castle sits perched on a cliff above the pretty fishing village of Dunure. In 1357, it was claimed by the Kennedys of Carrick, and was described as ‘a grate and pleasant strong house, the most ancient habitation of the surname of Kennedy…’
This ancient Kennedy stronghold saw the macabre ‘roasting’ of Allan Stewart, Abbot of Crossraguel Abbey, who was tortured and boiled in the notorious Black Vault. We also know of a famous three-day visit by Mary Queen of Scots during her third tour of Scotland.
The late medieval ‘beehive’ shaped dovecot of Dunure Castle dates from the 15th century. It would have had some 200 nesting boxes within its walls, and would have supplied the castle with fresh eggs and meat. Beneath the castle is a cavern called Browney’s Cave, a ‘sally-port’ with a secret tunnel leading to the castle.
The castle has also featured as an Outlander film location.
