Dundonald Castle lies on a prominent hill in the village of Dundonald in Scotland.

The site was first occupied well before 2000 BC. Then a hill fort was built between 500 and 200 BC and the site was occupied on and off until about AD 1000. The hill has had not 1 but 3 medieval castles built on it, covering the period from the early 12th century to 1647.

3 Noble families are linked with the place, but it is the castle's association with the Stewarts (whose family provided Scotland with its monarch's from from 1371 onward) that gives its special importance. In 1482, Dundonald Castle and its estates were passed to the Cathcarts, and in 1526 it came into ownership of the Wallaces. By the end of the 17th century it was in ruins.

This is a very nice castle with a little exhibition building near the carpark. When I visited it, I was the only visitor. The friendly caretaker locked the gate behind me and gave me a private guided tour.

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