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The historically ancient town emerged close to the western Ayrshire coast in southwestern Scotland. Throughout history, Irvine was an important location, being the primary residence of many kings. Settlements began in Irvine during the Mesolithic period. Before the Romans arrived, a Gaelic nation called Erinviennes arrived here from the coast of Ireland and established a community. They constructed a castle and named the location and the river, Irving. The Romans invaded and the Erinviennes, along with other Scottish clans, fought for the land. With the Erinviennes clan king slain, the people fled to Scandanavia. The Erinviennes returned to reclaim the land in 404 AD.
Centuries later, Malcom II deemed his relative Duncan a worthy successor to the crown. Through treachery and murder, Malcolm annihilated all other rightful family heirs. Malcolm was assassinated in 1024, and according to plan, Duncan assumed the throne, but only for six years. The clan did not deem Duncan a competent ruler, as he continuously failed in battle. Duncan’s cousin MacBeth schemed to overthrow the king. MacBeth and associates succeeded in murdering Duncan when the king returned from a defeated battle with the Vikings in 1040. MacBeth became king of Scotland. Family betrayal continued and Duncan’s son Malcolm murdered MacBeth in 1057. MacBeth’s stepson briefly occupied the throne before Malcolm also dispatched him. Malcolm took the throne in 1058.
Malcolm gave the appearance of allying with England while under William’s rule. The monarch proved his true colours by invading England five times. In 1072, the English army executed Malcolm under orders of William II. The crown passed through many generations until acquired by John I in 1250. The English arrived in Irvine in 1296, with plans of overthrowing the Scots. Many Scottish clans, being in a state of political opposition to each other, made the choice of vowing loyalty to Edward I. Robert the Bruce recaptured the territory for Scotland. Under his rule, Irvine received royal burgh status. Two generations later, Bruce’s grandson, Robert II inherited the Scottish crown.
For centuries, the Irvine clan fought with other native families including the Keiths. The families took turns attacking each other’s properties and dispatching family members. The feud ended when an Irvine son married a Keith daughter. In the 1500s, the Drumfries branch of the Irvine clan rose in financial and social status. The Drum family remained loyal to the English crown. The 22nd Lord of Drum fought with the Grendier Guards in the first world war.
Activities and Attractions
The Irvine harbour and river served the community as an important shipping destination for many centuries. Today, the location serves as a dock for mainly pleasure vessels. Grand Victorian manors, and less assuming cottages from the same era, line the harbour, along with modern housing. The harbour also features the Scottish Maritime Museum. Housed in a former engine shop, the facilty contains a wide range of historic vessels. Marina pontoons dock other musuem watercraft. The collection includes barges, clipper ships, lifeboats and sailing vessels. The museum provides guests the chance to board the larger ships. Another of the venue’s exhibits includes a typical recreated shipbuilder’s residence.
The harbour promenade, town roads and the Irvine New Town Trail are some of the locations residents and visitors use to view Irvine and the surrounding areas. Literary and Robert Burns fans generally venture to the Irvine Burns Club Museum. The facility has a collection of Burns’ works in addition to the creative efforts of other historic authors. Guests visiting the center hear about the poet’s connection with Irvine and see artefacts having anything to to with Burns while he lived here. The museum also contains interesting letters written to the organization by honourable famous members. Read letters written by Charles Dickens, Sean Connery and Theordore Roosevelt.
Places To Stay and Dining
Guest enjoy a holiday time in luxurious style at some local hotels. Penthouse suites provide spacious quarters that include a private entrance, lounges and spas containing Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. The specialty accomodations also provide televisions with surround sound and personal dressing rooms.
The Gailes Restaurant offers lunch and dinner meals prepared from the International menu. Dishes include Cajun beef, prepared with onions and peppers on wild rice, topped with a creamy spiced sauce. The maple glazed pork chop dinner includes sautéed potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Accommodation in Irvine
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