Kilpatrick Dun
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE RATING: 

Kilpatrick is an intriguing site, a complex of ancient structures variously described as a dun, or fort, and a cashel associated with a monastery founded by St Brandon (a cashel is a circular enclosure bounded by a drystone wall, though the term is often used to describe an early Celtic religious site).
The association with St Brandon is probably dubious, but this has not stopped Kilpatrick from being a destination for modern pilgrimages.
At Kilpatrick there are two obvious enclosures; a large 'cashel', which is more likely to be a Celtic homestead, enclosing an area of over 2 acres. Within the cashel wall is a smaller enclosure measuring about 50 feet in diameter. This 'dun' is set within a thick stone wall stretching from 3.7m to 4.6m thick. Inside the dun wall is at least one chamber.
Given the variety of walls on the site, it seems clear that Kilpatrick was occupied for a long time, from at least the Romano-British period well into the late medieval era. Outside the large enclosing wall are four smaller hut circles, plus several boulders that seem to make an alignment pattern. Archaeological investigation suggests an ancient field pattern, but evidence for this is almost non-existent on the ground.
There is a small signposted path and parking area just off the A841. A half-mile-long trail leads to the dun. Good footwear is advisable.
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
About Kilpatrick Dun
Address: Arran,
Blackwaterfoot,
Arran,
Ayrshire,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site
Location: One mile south of Blackwaterfoot, off the A841 coastal road
Website: Kilpatrick Dun
Historic Scotland
Location map
Kilpatrick Dun Photos
OS: NR906262
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Historic Time Periods:
Medieval
Find other attractions tagged with:
Celtic (Architecture) -
Medieval (Time Period) -