Located 26 miles south of Glasgow, Irvine was made a Royal Burgh in 1372 by Robert II, and is now a busy town with important historical and maritime connections. Its harbour became a major west coast seaport.
Nautical history
It now houses the main site of the Scottish Maritime Museum, located in a former shipyard building. Adults and kids alike will be fascinated by the hands-on exhibits – there’s model boat building and testing and you can have a go at sending Morse code. Explore the replica of a shipbuilder’s tenement flat and then hop on board the MV Kyles, a steam engine cargo coaster!
Green space
Get a breath of fresh air at the beautiful Eglintgon Country Park, which boasts miles upon miles of paths and bridleways, perfect for pleasant walks, horse rides or cycles. For kids, there is a great play area which is also wheelchair-friendly. The ranger service also offers a fantastic programme of wildlife and nature themed events across the year.
Burns’ Country
The town enjoys a vibrant community spirit, with an active Burns Club (the oldest in Scotland), Trade Guilds and community council. Robert Burns also worked in Irvine between 1781- 1782 in a 'heckling shed' to learn the process of heckling, a way of turning flax into linen.
Golfing gems
Irvine has a number of quality links golf courses, perfect for a couple of invigorating rounds. Book tee times at the likes of Dundonald Links, Gailes, Western Gailes and Irvine Bogside.
Helpful info
Irvine makes a good base for exploring the Ayrshire coast. Several supermarkets and shopping outlets can be found within the town, and the Rivergate Shopping Centre offers a mix of both independent and major retail stores.
Looking to explore further? Have a look at this video highlighting some unforgettable experiences and sights in Ayrshire & Arran.