Ardgillan and Skerries by car
Spend the morning in the gardens at Ardgillan Castle. Then drive to Skerries Mills and leave the car there for the walk to the harbour.
6–8 hours including stops · About 5.4 km on foot · 5.0 km by car
The itinerary
Start at Ardgillan upper car park. Finish at Skerries Mills car park.
-
Ardgillan Castle and gardens
Walk downhill from the upper car park to the castle. Visit the walled garden or, with children, follow the Fairy Tree Trail. Allow time for the uphill walk back to the car.
Estate map and opening times
Ardgillan Castle. Ardgillan Castle – north by Karora, CC BY 4.0 (cropped). -
Skerries Mills
Drive to the Mills visitor car park and check the parking signs. Take the guided tour if you’ve booked, or stop at the Watermill Café before walking into town.
Mills tours and café -
South Strand
Walk down to the beach from Strand Street and turn left along the promenade. If you’re short of time, Harbour Road is also within walking distance through town.
-
Red Island
Take the coastal path around the headland. It brings you back towards the fishing harbour on the far side.
-
Lunch on Harbour Road
Blue Bar faces the harbour. If you’re staying at the castle into the afternoon, check when the kitchen is serving before you drive into Skerries.
Blue Bar menu and bookings -
The pier
Call at Storm in a Teacup for an ice cream. The return walk takes you through the town centre to the Mills car park.
Good to know
Parking at Ardgillan
Most visitors use the upper car park. The estate reserves the lower car park for over-70s, wheelchair users and people with hidden disabilities. Extra walks in the gardens add to the distance shown.
Ardgillan access guideVisiting the castle
For an indoor stop, check the castle tour and tearoom opening times when you plan your visit.
Castle visitor information