Dunskey Castle is a scheduled monument (details below), dating from the mid-16th century and is thought to occupy the site of the earlier Adair Castle, which was destroyed around the year 1500 by the McCullochs of Myrton and Cardoness. The castle stands within eight acres of its own land, reached from the coastal foot path that runs behind it. It’s a popular stop for tourists walking the path, with access to the ruins across the former moat.

There is an expanse of grass in front of the castle and the cliff edge. On a clear day it’s possible to see Northern Ireland, over twenty miles away. The imposing structure of the castle and its almost magical setting have made it the ideal location for dramatic scenes in movies, including as a location for Kidnapped, the 1951 version based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, the 1952 film Hunted, starring Dirk Bogarde, and the 1992 thriller Double X: The Name of the Game starring Norman Wisdom.

The castle has been derelict since around 1700 (it was described by Symson as ‘wholly ruinous’, in 1684), but enough of its magnificent stone structure, with its 5ft thick walls, remains standing, to provide a sense of the grandeur of the fortifications and original layout. The structure includes the massive central tower house, a three-storey tower built for the Adairs of Kinhilt - the same family that owned the Castle of St John in Stranraer.

The tower measures 30m by 14m with a sheer end wall projecting to the rocky cliff edge. There are also the remnants of the vaulted cellar, a watch tower and a long wing to the north of the main tower. Located on the coastal path from Portpatrick to Morroch, the castle lies in a secluded position, adding to the sense of wonder and mythology surrounding this haunting, historic structure.

Details of Scheduled Monument Status Reference: SM2017 Site number: NX05SW 3 National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) ID: 60632

This property has 8 acres of land.