Kilmahew Castle

Kilmahew Castle consists of stone ruins positioned on raised ground north of Cardross, displaying the remains of a multi-story tower dwelling from the 1500s. The structure features thick walls and architectural elements that still convey its original strength and construction.

The Napier family received the lands in 1290 from a Scottish nobleman, and the castle was built sometime during the 1500s. This period marked the beginning of a long family ownership of the property.

The name Kilmahew comes from Gaelic origins referring to an early Christian site, reflecting the spiritual roots of this location. The ruins stand as a symbol of how one family shaped the identity and character of the surrounding landscape over centuries.

You can reach the ruins by following marked pathways near the former St. Peter's Seminary, and the terrain is uneven in places. The site is managed by the Kilmahew Education Trust and welcomes visitors exploring the surrounding landscape.

The ruins underwent major rebuilding in 1744 by John Douglas and later received gothic-style changes in the 1800s under Alexander Sharp's direction. These architectural transformations show how later owners reshaped the site according to their own tastes and ideas.