Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Isle of Whithorn, once an island but now linked to the mainland by a causeway, is a
curious place with an attractive natural harbour and colourful houses. The roofless 13th-
century
St Ninian's Chapel
, probably built for pilgrims who landed nearby, sits on the
windswept, evocative rocky headland. Around Burrow Head, to the southwest but ac-
cessed off the A747 before you enter the Isle of Whithorn, is
St Ninian's Cave
, where the
saint went to pray.
Three hundred-year-old
Dunbar House
(
01988-500336;
ht-
tp://dunbarhouse.herobo.com
;
Tonderghie Rd; s/d £23/40)
, overlooking the harbour, has
two large, bright, perfect rooms that share a spotless bathroom. It's a bargain at this price,
and cordially run. You can admire the view while tucking into your breakfast in the dining
room.
The quayside
Steam Packet Inn
(
01988-500334;
www.steampacketinn.biz
;
Har-
bour Row; r per person £40, without bathroom £35; )
is a popular pub with real ales,
scrumptious bar meals (mains £7 to £11), a snug bar and comfy lodgings. Try to get a
room at the front of the building as they have lovely views over the little harbour (No. 2 is
a good one).
Stranraer
POP 10,851
The friendly but somewhat ramshackle port of Stranraer has seen its tourist mainstay, the
ferry traffic to Northern Ireland, move up the road to Cairnryan. The town's still wonder-
ing what to do with itself, but there's lots to explore in the surrounding area.
Sights
CASTLE
St John's Castle
(George St; 10am-1pm & 1.30-4.30pm Tue-Sat Jun-Sep)
Worth a quick visit, St John's
Castle is a tower built in 1510 by the Adairs of Kihilt, a powerful local family. The old
stone cells carry a distinctly musty smell. There are displays and a couple of videos that
trace its history and, from the top of the castle, superb views of Loch Ryan.
MUSEUM
Stranraer Museum
