Dalquharran Castle

Dalquharran Castle is a three-story fortress in South Ayrshire with round towers and a central staircase at its core. The building sits on landscaped grounds beside the Water of Girvan and was designed in 1785 by architect Robert Adam.

The building was constructed in 1785 following designs by Robert Adam as a replacement when the earlier Dalquharran Castle nearby fell into disrepair. Its creation marked a shift to a new structure on this part of the estate.

The castle served as a youth hostel in the 1900s and housed a school for deaf students during the Second World War. These uses show how the building opened its doors to different communities beyond its original purpose.

The castle has been closed to visitors since early 2017 due to serious safety concerns from prolonged decay. Structural instability makes it impossible to enter or explore the interior at this time.

In 1967 the owners deliberately stripped the lead roof to declare the building uninhabitable and avoid property taxes. This drastic move inadvertently triggered the long decline that led to today's condition.

Location: South Ayrshire

Location: Dailly

GPS coordinates: 55.28313,-4.72463

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42