Castle of St John, Stranraer
The ancient castle right in the
centre of Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway.
centre of Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway.
On the corner of George Street and Castle Street these views are from
the north and the west.
The original castle was built in the 16th century (around 1510 or so) by the Adairs of Kinhilt, an Irish family (from possibly County Clare?) and like many tower houses has an interesting history and several owners including Kennedys and Dalrymples. The Adair family also built nearby Dunskey Castle on the coast by Portpatrick, photos linked to below.
The castle was used as a secure residence, an army garrison, and later a jail, courthouse, police office and civil defence station in World War Two. It's now nicely refurbished and houses a local history museum. The full story has many more twists and turns.
The view from the roof lets you see the whole town but the spiral staircase is a bit too challenging for many. Parking's OK if a bit limited but disabled access is a problem. No catering or toilets but there are both facilities nearby.
The original castle was built in the 16th century (around 1510 or so) by the Adairs of Kinhilt, an Irish family (from possibly County Clare?) and like many tower houses has an interesting history and several owners including Kennedys and Dalrymples. The Adair family also built nearby Dunskey Castle on the coast by Portpatrick, photos linked to below.
The castle was used as a secure residence, an army garrison, and later a jail, courthouse, police office and civil defence station in World War Two. It's now nicely refurbished and houses a local history museum. The full story has many more twists and turns.
The view from the roof lets you see the whole town but the spiral staircase is a bit too challenging for many. Parking's OK if a bit limited but disabled access is a problem. No catering or toilets but there are both facilities nearby.
