Ayr, Scotland Attractions

The thatched house where Burns was born is situated in Alloway, a suburb to the south of Ayr. It was built by his father and Burns spent the first seven years of his short life here. Exhibits include memorabilia, manuscripts and the old family Bible.

The Bachelor's Club in Tarbolton has been made famous as a place frequented by Robert Burns. In this 17th C thatched house he formed a debating club and was initiated into the Freemasonry.

The house contains period furnishings.

A huge granite rock some 1,114ft/348m high and 2mi/3km in circumference is visible from Girvan. It lies 10mi/16km offshore and is now a haven for birds. Ailsa Craig, Gaelic for "Fairyland Rock", is famous for the quality of its granite, known as "Ailsite" which is used, among other things, for making curling stones. A ruined medieval tower occupies a prominent position on the rock.

A few yards from the Burns Cottage in Alloway, an account of Burns' life and times is given with the help of an audio-visual presentation.

There is a fine view over the River Ayr and its two bridges from the Burns' Monument (1823) where more than 600 exhibits relating to the celebrated Scottish hero are displayed.

It was across one of the bridges, the 13th century "Auld Brig", that Tam o'Shanter fled from the witches - he remembered that they were not allowed to cross flowing water - only his horse's tail remained in the hands of his pursuers. In line with Burns' prophecy, the bridge of 1788 had to be rebuilt in 1877.

Take a detour to Auchinleck about 6mi/9.6km to the southeast of Ayr. The Boswell Museum in the old parish church documents the life of the village's most famous son, James Boswell (1740-1795). He is best known for his association with the English man of letters Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-1784). Boswell accompanied Johnson to the Hebrides and he wrote a diary about their travels which was the forerunner for his biography on Dr Johnson.
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Tam O'Shanter is said to have looked out of a window in the Auld Kirk (early 16th C) and seen the devil at a witches' sabbath. The grave of Burns' father, who died at the age of 63, lies at the entrance to the cemetery.

These two annual festivals run concurrently for 10 days in early June. The festivals promote local performers while at the same time bringing together internationally-acclaimed names from throughout the world. The events include ballet and theatrical performances, operas, jazz sessions, poetry readings and folk nights.

Irvine (pop. 56,000) is located 11mi/18km north of Ayr.

Trawlers, lifeboats and tugs are among the vessels on display in this maritime museum. Exhibits at the Victorian Linthouse Building at the end of the harbor include a collection of model ships.

This annual festival takes place in mid-August and celebrates Mary, Queen of Scots. Marymass horse races, crowning of the Marymass Queen and other traditional events are among the many events offered.

The residents at Kelburn Castle only open their doors to visitors in July and August.
This is the historic home of the Earl of Glasgow.

Well-maintained footpaths, rare giant trees, waterfalls, beautiful views and pony trekking for children are just a few of the attractions on offer at Kelburn Country Centre.

Kilwinning Dalgarven old mill has recently undergone careful restoration and its displays now record country life in Ayrshire. The museum's premises on the Dalry Road (A737) date from 1753. Fresh bread made from flour ground at the mill is sold in the bakery.

Souter Johnnie's Cottage in Kirkoswald is in fact a museum dedicated to the souter (cobbler) John Davidson who with his friend Douglas Graham is immortalized in Burns' narrative poem "Tam O'Shanter". Tam O'Shanter and Souter Johnnie sit in the museum garden as life-sized statues, both the work of James Thorn (1802) who later emigrated to America and became an architect.

The Pencil Monument in the sailing center of Largs (pop. 11,200) was erected to commemorate the decisive battle of 1263, which resulted in the Hebrides, for centuries under Norwegian domination, being captured by the Scots.

One of Scotland's few Cluniac monasteries is situated about 5mi/8km to the east near Maybole. The foundation stone for Crossraguel Abbey was laid in 1244 by Duncan, Earl of Carrick, but the monastery was destroyed by Edward I in the 13th century. It was rebuilt in the 15th C and the monks even acquired the right to mint coins. The well-preserved ruins of the monastery testify to the high status that this abbey once enjoyed.

Saltcoats has a fine beach. The town's Martello tower dates from 1800. Ferries for Arran leave from Ardrossan. The 12th century castle was destroyed by Cromwell's troops and little now remains.

Skelmorlie Aisle (Largs Old Kirk) is managed by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Directorate.

Tarbolton (8mi/12.8km north of Ayr) owes its fame to the fact that Robert Burns and his friends founded the Bachelor's Club here in 1780 and then a year he later joined the local Freemason's Lodge.

Troon (pop. 14,254) is a seaside resort noted for its shipyards.

Turnberry is synonymous with golf. As well as two golf courses, the "Ailsa" and the "Arran", a top-class hotel has also been built there. Turnberry Castle (2mi/3.2km to the south) was the birthplace of Robert the Bruce.