What is recorded here

Dundonald Castle is a ruined tower house built for Robert II in 1371, standing on a hill where a prehistoric fort once burned so hot its stone melted around 1000 AD. The name means fort of Donald, perhaps honouring a king of Strathclyde whose realm vanished into Scotland. Inside the third castle, Robert II and Robert III dined in the laigh hall, prayed in a chapel dedicated to Saint Inan, and kept prisoners in chambers added later. Today the wallaces of Craigie and Robert Boyd failed to hold it, leaving only a tower, a well, and a stump of an older castle for visitors to imagine.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Dundonald Castle as Castle (14th Century), Fort (prehistoric) - (post Medieval). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 1m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Dundonald Castle was built by the Earls of Dundonald, a branch of the Douglas family, in the 14th century and later held by the Montgomeries. It is important as a historic stronghold in Ayrshire and as an example of medieval Scottish military architecture.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.