Turnberry Castle

Turnberry Castle Details

Turnberry Castle, ruins of C13 castle of the Earls of Carrick and Bruces dismantled in early C14.

  • Closest To: Turnberry
  • Access: S.O.A.C. Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NS197072

The fragmentary remains of Turnberry Castle can be found on a promontory adjacent to the Turnberry Lighthouse, and are publicly accessible, although it is necessary to cross the Turnberry Golf Course to reach it – and to respect the needs of players there. The walk is some distance, and the site is very uneven.

The castle dates back to the 12th century, although an earlier fortification may have existed. It was one of the two seats of the earldom of Carrick, formed out of the old Lordship of Galloway, and which was held by the Bruces of Annandale from 1271. The castle was burned in 1297, but was repaired and occupied against Robert Bruce by the English – to be slighted again in 1310. It was later repaired, and as far as can be established it formed an irregular courtyard across three rocky outcrops defended by a ditch – and with access to sea caves below. The main residential complex, and the old core of the castle, was to the east. It was occupied until at least 1370, with a new D-shaped tower erected on the old part of the castle, but the subsequent history is unknown. The best views of the ruins are from the beach, and all the wall footings are turf-covered – in addition the erection of the lighthouse and platform has destroyed most of the north-western half of the site.

HES Canmore database entry

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