Kilmarnock Travel Guide

It is believed that Saint Marnock established a church in Kilmarnock as early as 322. It is believed that the name of the town comes from this saint and the Gaelic word "cille", meaning church. The main economy of the town in its early years was weaving and the bonnets made here were very fashionable. The town is famous for its manufacture of carpets, known throughout the world. The carpeting on the floors of the Titanic came from Kilmarnock and although the carpet making industries are no longer operating, this town of 40,000 is home to automobile manufacturing plants as well as the famous Johnnie Walker, Scotch whisky.

The town also lays claim to a connection with Robert Burns because the first collection of his writings was published in Kilmarnock in 1796. A statue of Burns and his printer, John Wilson, stands in the centre of town and is only one of the pieces of art that you will find scattered throughout the town. Dean Castle, once known as Kilmarnock Castle, is a must see on any visit, no matter how many times you go there. The Keep has walls three meters thick and the Gatehouse has two rounded towers, loopholes for the artillery and half-leaded glass windows, which were added in 1937. This site is one of the top ten tourist attractions in the country.

Visit the church with thirteen exits, Laigh Kirk, with its three towers. After a tragedy in 1801 when 29 people lost their lives in a stampede to get out, this is actually a replacement church, but the builders made sure this type of tragedy would not happen again.

Two golf courses in Kilmarnock will surely test your golfing skills. Both the Annanhill Golf Course and the Hurlford Golf Club are 18-hole courses with breathtaking scenery for you to drink in as you play the fairways and greens.

Fenwick Hotel has access for visitors with disabilities as so many others and there are many bed and breakfast establishments if you would rather stay in a family-like setting. Efficiency cottages are also available if you want to cook for yourself.

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