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The community formed on the shores of the Loch Ryan, along the western county coast in the southwestern region of Scotland. The Adair family constructed the Castle of St. John here in the 1500s. A settlement developed around this tower house structure. The name Stranraer means “fat nose,” which depicts the broad peninsular land feature to the west of the town.
The king bestowed the title Barony Burgh on Stranraer in 1596. The community acquired Royal Burgh status in 1617. By 1600, Stranraer gained notoriety as a market town that served the county. Visitors gained access to the community via a military road travelling from nearby Dunfries.
Farmers historically used the route when driving cattle to market. The first harbour opened in Stranraer during 1750. Ferry services carried passengers along the coast. Ferries eventually journeyed across the Irish Sea to Ireland. By 1861, Stranraer citizens had access to railway transportation.
The port served an important role during World War II, as flying planes and boats fiercely protected the waters. The site also developed a flying boat and submarine manufacturing plant, visited by Winston Churchill. During 1942, the company manufactured the Stranraer Submarine, completed and named for the town.
Founded in 1870, Stranraer has the third oldest football organization in the country.
Activities and Attractions
Individuals visiting the Stranraer Museum have the opportunity of gaining a visual history of the town. The museum sits in the historic town hall, constructed in 1776. Exhibits date to prehistoric times from 4000 BC forward, displaying a collection of ancient fossils and tools used by early hunter/gatherers, and discovered in the area. An exhibit representing early Christianity includes a collection of carved stones originating from 1000 AD. Explore the exhibits depicting early transportation, having everything from the first bicycles to an ill-fated ferry.
Agriculture played a major role in the economy of medieval Scotland. Vistors have the rare chance of seeing farm implements used during the 1700s. See Scotch plows and the typical rigging used for horses. Other exhibits include common implements used on a diary farm and those required in the butter making process. See the tools and equipment used by early shipbuilders and other common industries of the time. The facility also features artwork created by historical and modern day artists. Works cover a wide genre from drawings and paintings to ceramics and sculpture.
Guests gain more historical information when visiting St. John’s Castle, located in the centre of the city. Besides serving as a royal palace, the structure once held the courthouse and jail. Audio/visual displays explain the history of the Adair family and the typical employees of the fortress. Three dimensional models show the original L-shaped tower house and the attached ancillary buildings. Cut away models depict room use. The structure contains a series of stairs leading to various areas of the structure. See the old Victorian jail cells and the carvings prisoners left in the stone and wood. Climb to the top of the belfry and see the small exercise yard, while enjoying the scenery of the town below and the scenic harbour.
When looking for a destination to please mulitple senses, look no further than the Kennedy Castle and Gardens. The 75 acre (30 hectare) site lies on an isthmus, surrounded on three sides by water. Cross old stone bridges and walk down grass covered paths while enjoying a vast array of flowering plants and greenery. The seasonal gardens feature colourful vegetation especially picked for brilliant colouration at various times of the year. See the castle ruins and the unusual lay of the land. Many of the mound type structures represent ancient military battlements.
Places to Stay and Dining
Many coastal communities offer guests the chance to stay in renovated lighthouses, now serving as luxurious hotels. Sleeping quarters typically additionally have comfortably furnished lounge areas. Facilities also contain restaurants serving guests of the hotel and non-guests just desiring a home cooked meal.
Experience gourmet dining at he Glennapp Castle Restaurant. The facility offers up to six course meals, specially prepared by the resident chef. Enjoy a fine selection of appetizers and main meals made with fresh lobster, haddock and halibut. Delight in the scrumptious desserts consisting of homemade cakes and pastries.
Accommodation in Stranraer
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