CARRAIG
The Atrium Cloncaird Castle, Kirkmichael
COURIE INDOORS
Courie is a Scottish word that means to snuggle or nestle ...
There is nothing like the great outdoors! But after you have experienced some of our outdoor weather days in Scotland you might be craving a wee courie in! For this, Carraig boasts some great cafes, bars and restaurants, art galleries and museums, some independant shopping, of course a wee bit of whisky tasting and after all your 'outdooring' a place to rest your head.
FOOD PRODUCERS AND VENUES
Traditional food producers in the area include the 'Ayrshire Earlies' - Scottish tatties at their best from Girvan Early Growers, whisky (of course!) and gin through distilleries in the area including Grants and Hendricks and finally, if you like fresh seafood from the boat then head to Dunure harbour for you never know when boats including the Kittyfisher and Crab & Lobster Ayrshire may head in to shore!
Pictured below are just some of our food and drink outlets. More may be listed in the North Carrick business directory.
CARRAIG
FOOD & DRINK
Traditional village pubs, wood fired pizzas, bakeries and cafes with waterside views - take your pick!
Souters Inn is pictured opposite, you can maybe spot Robert Burns looking over the site where he once went to school!
The Kirkmichael Arms pictured below has the accolade of being listed in The Michelin Guide - impressive indeed!
THEATRE, GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, WEDDINGS
Courie in for some visual and performance arts! Pictured below is an Ayr Gaiety On Tour production. Ayr Gaiety often tour to more rural venues such as McCosh Hall Kirkmichael and Ballantrae Community Centre so check their website for any forthcoming productions.
Art Galleries in Carraig include Electric Brae Art Gallery, Coach House Gallery, Smiddy Art Gallery, Studio Seventy Four, Wave Gallery and the art gallery with artist Elspeth Guthrie at Souter Johnnie's Cottage - check seasonal opening times for all.
The McKechnie Institute in Girvan features a permanent display of artefacts highlighting the towns heritage including the history of Ailsa Craig and its granite. Exciting plans are also underway for a brand new Carraig History Exhibition and Escape Room at The Readers Room in Kirkoswald set to open winter 2025!
And if you fall in love with Carraig - why not get married here? Luxury barn weddings are available at Dalduff.
More may be listed in the North Carrick business directory.
Gaiety on Tour - Breathe Performance
THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITIES
A special mention has to be given to our Carraig community shops that are way more than just retail outlets and instead are the beating hearts of our communities offering convenience to locals and visitors and a warm welcome to all!
Crosshill Post Office - is known for its indulgent homemade goodies of soup, cakes and pre-prepared meals!
Kirkmichael - homed in the historical McCosh Hall, Kirkmichael boasts a lovely cafe, shop and a history corner!
Straiton Stores - a community owned enterprise going above and beyond with their small staff and volunteer team!
Minishant General Stores - THE place to stop off for delicious breakfast rolls!
Dailly Road Stores Maybole - Perfectly situated for a hot snack before popping on a bus!
CARRAIG
SHOPPING
Gifts, Whisky, Farm Produce, Books, Handmade, Pop Up's, Butchers plus see the North Carrick Business Directory for more.
Opposite is Aruna Arts & Gifts located at the picturesque Dunure Harbour, looking lovely inside and out and adding to a fabulous day out!
WHISKY AND GIN
Rocco is a working cocker spaniel whose job it is to sniff out the quality of the casks at the cooperage at Grants Distilliery, Girvan. What a star! William Grant & Sons is a fifth generation Scottish family distiller. The spirit of the Carraig people truly shone through when around four hundred locals helped build the distillery in 1963! The Girvan grain is seen as one of the best in the world and Grants are officially Scotland's oldest continuosly family-run blended whisky makers. Alongside them is Hendricks Gin Palace where the gin is made oddly (their words!) and infused with essence of rose and cucumber. Have you discovered the curious world of Hendricks?
In Kirkoswald, A.D, Rattray Whisky Shop is a charming visit with other local whisky on sale including Lochlea and Arran. Founded in 1868, A.D. Rattray offers regular tasting events too.
The Old Church and Lodges, Minishant
STAY IN CARRAIG
Carraig offers a range of unique accommodation including -
Pirleyhill Farm and Pods (Turnberry), The Walled Garden Caravan and Camping (Maybole), The Ranch Holiday Park Touring Pitches (Maybole), The Bungalow (Maybole), Freedom Fields Camping (Straiton), Little Peru Eco Pods (Kirkmichael) and The Old Church and Lodges (pictured. Minishant). More accommodation may be listed in the North Carrick Directory.
Whitestone Cottage is located in Culzean and was the birthplace of Robert Burns' mother Agnes Broun in 1732. It is just 800m from the entrance of Culzean Castle and Country Park, where Burns' grandfather was a woodcutter. What a place to stay! Whitestone Cottage offers a 10% discount to Bruce's Web trailgoers when you book direct with them quoting 'Bruce's Web'
Cloncaird Castle Estate is one of Scotland’s true hidden gems. Dating back to the 16th century, it stands in 140 acres of stunning countryside beside the river Girvan at Kirkmichael, Ayrshire – offering exclusivity, luxury and Scottish charm. There are eight truly individual self-catering cottages within its grounds. Each cottage has been lovingly restored and renovated in keeping with their unique heritage. Best of all, trailgoers can get a 10% discount with a minimum 2 night stay if you book direct quoting 'Bruce's Web'