|
Stone circles and rock art testify to the ancient date at which Kirkcudbright was occupied. Irish immigrants settled here between 500 and 800 CE. Sometime in the eleventh century Anglo-Normans came to the area and brought the Roman church with them. They built the monasteries of Dundrennan and Tongland the remains of which are close enough to Kirkcudbright to make a convenient outing. Kirkcudbright itself has developed into an arts colony with both recreational opportunities and the remnants of history.
Activities and attractions
The town of Kirkcudbright sits at the end of its long bay on the north side of the Solway Firth. Kirkcudbright Bay is by far the safest anchorage on the Firth's north coast, and so has been a trading centre since Medieval Times. Twenty-first century Kirkcudbright Marina offers water, power and shower facilities as well as shore access and the security of closed circuit television monitoring. Fuel is available from road tankers.
Kirkcudbright golf course is a parkland course on the edge of the town. It is quite hilly, with great views of the town, the Dee estuary and the Galloway hills. The 18-hole course favours cool heads and accuracy over raw driving power. Visitors may play without reservations so long as there is no conflict with the club's events.
The Galloway Wildlife Conservation Centre lies just east of Kirkcudbright. This 27 acre facility works to ensure the survival of small animal species from all over the world. Nature trails and a childrens' play area complement popular exhibits such as meercats, otters and Scottish wildcats.
MacLellan's Castle was the seat of the rowdy MacLellans of Bombie. It was built in 1582 by the Provost of Kirkcudbright, Sir Thomas Bombie, who was known to consort with pirates. His son Robert remained in enough favour with the crown to gain Irish estates during the Plantation of Ulster, but the cost of defending them coupled with some unfortunate military ventures of Sir Robert's son ruined the family. The castle came into the hands of the National Trust in 1912. It retains many features of sixteenth century architecture, including the vaulted ground-level service areas and the "laird's lug," a spyhole behind the great hall's fireplace. MacLellan's Castle is located at the harbour end of Kirkcudbright's High Street, although access is from the other side from Castle Street.
Broughton House sits around the corner from MacLellan's Castle. It was begun in 1734 at #12 High Street. Alexander Murray, a local laird, bought both #12 and #10 in 1740 and combined them into what is now called Broughton House. It was the property of the artist E. A. Hornel in the early years of the twentieth century. He added a studio and a gallery to the house and began to develop the gardens. It passed to the National Trust for Scotland in 1996 and is now open to the public.
The Kirkcudbright area was formerly called the Stewartry. The Stewartry Museum in Kirkcudbright houses artefacts outlining the area's history and prehistory. It was established in 1859, and a purpose-built structure erected to house the collection in 1893. Exhibits on eighteenth and nineteenth century social history are particularly informative.
The Tollbooth in Kirkcudbright dates from the 17th century. It housed the town's council offices and the courts, and was at one time a debtor's prison. The American naval hero John Paul Jones was once imprisoned here. The building now serves as an arts centre.
Access and Places to Stay
Kirkcudbright lies on the A711 which connects to the main A75 east-west road. This provides easy access to the road junctions at Dumfries and the A74(M) beyond as well as to the ferry port at Stranraer. There is currently no rail service to Kirkcudbright, but motor coaches run regularly to Dumfries and Stranraer.
Camping and caravanning are very popular lodging options in Kirkcudbright, as is self catering. Bed and breakfast establishments are common, as are guesthouses and full service hotels. Restaurants range from takeaway to haute cuisine. One particularly nice restaurant is The Castle, in Castle Street near MacLellan's Castle. Their preference for organic produce enhances not only their traditional Scottish cuisine but also their vegetarian options.
Accommodation in Kirkcudbright
Show Bed & Breakfasts in Kirkcudbright
Show Hotels in Kirkcudbright
Show Cottages in Kirkcudbright
Show Caravan Parks & Camping Sites in Kirkcudbright
| 
