Irvine
The visitor guide on Irvine in Ayrshire provides information and details about Irvine. The guide also includes details about major attractions, transportation to and from Irvine and, accommodation and Hotels In Irvine.
The next town heading north from Troon is Irvine, once one of Glasgow's main trading ports and now redeveloped as a new town. One of the favorite Scottish towns of Robert Burns, Irvine has long sandy beaches well complemented with some of the top of the crop leisure facilities and a well developed Cycling tract network.The Tourist Information Centre is on New Street near the train station and the huge shopping centre, Tel 01563 678100 (open Easter-October, 1000-1600. Hours liable to change).
Region
AyrshireTravel Directions to Irvine
There are regular trains to Glasgow and Ayr. Stagecoach buses, Tel 01292-613500, leave from Irvine Cross on the High Street to Ayr, Glasgow, Kilmarnock and Largs. 7 miles north of Irvine is the dismal town of Ardrossan, from where Caledonian MacBrayne, Tel 0990-650000, ferries depart for Brodick on the Isle of Arran. Trains leave Glasgow Central (1 hr; regularly during the high season (Apr-Oct), to connect with the ferries.
Activities
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Archery and 10 Clay Shot in Ayrshire with Lunch
Enjoy a 10 clays shooting, archery and a tasty meal in Ayrshire. Really easy to book today.
Local Sights & Activities for Irvine
Nearby is the Magnum Leisure Centre, the largest in Scotland, with a pool, cinemas, ice rinks and much more besides. Info: Daily 0900-2200. On the Harbourside at Irvine is The Big Idea, the area's newest and brightest attraction. It celebrates a thousand years of inventions, with visitors interacting with the exhibits using an electronic key. Exhibits range from showing how levers and pulleys work, to giving you the chance to programme a robotic arm. Info: Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat, Sun 1000-1800. £7.95, concession £5.95. Tel 08708-404030.
Between Irvine and Kilmarnock on the A759 is Royal Dundonald Castle. This was the first home of the Stuart kings, built in 1371 by Robert II and much restored since. Info: Apr-Sep daily 1000-1700. £2, concession £1. Tel 01563-851489 (HS).
It is impossible to miss out River Irvine Town House that stands tall against the skyline that is famous for its octagonal lantern and the tall spire of the Irvine Parish Church that dates back to the late 1800's. On your way to downtown Irvine, take a walk along Hill Street with its outdoor lanterns reflecting an earlier age in this town. Interestingly the most modern shopping areas in the locality strike a contrast to the old fashioned neighbourhood. The magnificent Trinity Church is another must see ; though it is in a state of disrepair, it still retains its magnificent charm.
Castles Nearby
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Dundonald Castle
Ancient castle that was home to Stewarts and sits above other more ancient settlements. Visitor centre and much to see. -
Eglinton Castle
Located one mile SE of Kilwinning in the Eglinton Country Park. Built in 1796 by John Paterson for Hugh Montgomerie, the 12th Earl of Eglinton. Large Gothic mansion, replacing 17th century castle.
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Stane Castle
Stanes Castle is a medieval barony and estate in North Ayrshire, Scotland, which dates back to 1363. Now it is part of the Irvine New Town project. It is located close to Bourtreehill and Girdle Toll.
Irvine Hotels & Accommodation
Harbourside Hotel, 86 Montgomery St, Tel 275515, is at the harbourside and handy for transport and pubs and restaurants.
A good place for a pub meal is The Ship Inn, 122 Harbour St, Tel 279722.
Search for Irvine Hotels on late rooms.
Irvine Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Fairways, Irvine - Sleeps 7
Situated close to the Ayrshire coast, this detached holiday property is located on the edge of a golf course with access to the beach a mile away, and on to the Ayrshire Coastal Path.