Dunure is located five miles north west of Maybole in South Ayrshire. This former fishing village is a fairly recent addition to the coastline, dating from the early 19th century. The harbour was created in 1811 at a cost of £50,000, and along with the creation of building leases in 1819, led to the development of the village as a fishing station. It was originally built to export locally mined coal, but when this failed, so did the extensive support plans for further development of the harbour. The fishing industry lasted until the 1960s, when boats became too large to use the harbour regularly. Prior to this a fleet of 20 to 30 boats was based at Dunure. The harbour basin currently houses pleasure boats, although some of these still fish for crab and lobster. In the past Dunure and Culzean Bay near Maybole were landing places for contraband coming in from Ireland, largely Irish whiskey, which was known locally as 'Arran Water'. The present owner, the Baron of Dunure, leases the harbour to a local Harbour Association. Dunure harbour has been used in the filming of the tv series Outlander. to the north of dunure harbour lies the wreck of the Valkyrien, a barque that ran aground in 1883. Several of the local fishermen of Dunure were involved in rescuing the crew of the Valkyrien.
Please be kind when parking there is a few spaces near by but in summer can be very busy.
Seasonal car parking nearby at the castle for a small charge.