Located in Dumfries and Galloway, Portpatrick is a village nestled in a cleft of the steep cliffs on the southwestern tip of Scotland. The village dates back to the 16
th century, when it was built close to Dunskey Castle. This castle is now in ruins, but when you visit here, you will have a spectacular view of the northern coast of Ireland at Donaghadee. The Gulf Stream provides Portpatrick with a moderate climate and here you will find many subtropical trees and plants.
If you are driving to Portpatrick, the A77 will take you right to the town. This is the end of the road, but you will be in close proximity to such places as Dinvin, Awhirk and Stoneykirk. Stranraer is only 8 miles away and is the gateway to the rest of Galloway. This makes Portpatrick the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding areas and secluded bays along the coast. The village is the western end of the Southern Upland Way, which starts here and wends its way to Cockburnspath in the east.
Portpatrick is a delightful harbour town that is ablaze with different coloured boats in the summer. It is one of thirty places in Scotland where the lifeboat is on call 24 hours a day. The lifeboat station dates back to 1877 and visitors can tour the facilities and has an elegant exhibition for you to browse. At one time, this town was an important ferry port for postal service and freight between Scotland and Northern Ireland, but in the 19
th century, this traffic was diverted to Stranraer.
When you visit Portpatrick, there is no lack of activities to occupy your time. Spend time on the course of the Portpatrick Golf Club where there is both an 18–hole and a 9–hole course. The beach is suitable for fishing and swimming as well as for seeing the seals and dolphins at play. Charter a boat for a fishing trip where you can try your luck at catching many different species of fish, such as wrasse, cod, mackerel and herring. Water-skiing is also popular here as is wreck diving among the many shipwrecks that lie off the coast.
The ample supply of hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages offer you an opportunity to choose the lodgings of your choice when on holiday in Portpatrick. There are also many restaurants to choose from where you will find good food and good conversation with the friendly folk of this town. A vacation here will help you make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
Photograph © Dunskey Guest House
