Dundonald Castle was built for Robert II on his accession to the throne of Scotland in 1371

Dundonald Castle, a relic from a time gone by, sited approximately midway between Troon and Kilmarnock was built for Robert II on his accession to the throne of Scotland in 1371 as a fortified tower house and was used as a royal residence by the early Stewart kings for the next 150 years.

Dundonald proudly stands on a hill which has been in continuous use since around 2000 BC with the first hill fort being constructed during the period 500 - 200 BC. The first real fortification on the site was a timber 'motte' and 'bailey' construction, built during the middle of the 12th century. This was later replaced in the 13th century by a larger stone castle, which in turn, was destroyed during the wars with England in the 14th century.

The great hall, now roofless, contained an elaborately decorated ribbed vault. Though decorative, these transverse and diagonal ribs played no part in the structural support of the vault. There was a canopied fireplace in the west wall which has long since disappeared. At the northern end, a pointed doorway leads to two wall closets, one containing a latrine.

The ground floor was used for storage, with an entrance in the east wall and the stairs in the north wall led to the service area of the laigh or lower hall on the first floor. Dundonald castle also contained a minstrel's gallery, which had its own latrine, above the service area.

The western wall of the castle features 5 stone carved heraldic shields which are among the oldest in Scotland.

Dundonald Castle was originally reconstructed without any bedrooms or chambers. This was hastily rectified with the building of an extension to the south. The ground floor of the new building contained a bake house and small prison.

During the 15th century, King James III sold the whole of the Dundonald estate to the Cathcarts in 1482, who in turn passed it on to the Wallace’s in 1526 and by end of the 17th century Dundonald castle was in ruins.

Today, the castle is in the care of Historic Scotland and is managed by the Friends of Dundonald Castle.

Tourist Information

The Castle and the Visitors’ Centre is open from 10am to 5pm from the 1st April through to 31st October with last entry to the Castle being 4.30pm.