A tall stone tower rises from a rocky point on Loch Goil, close to the water and the modern houses that share its name. Carrick Castle is a 14th-century tower house, a fortified residence built upward in stone, on the Cowal Peninsula.
Its history links Campbell power, royal travel and 17th-century warfare. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1563, and the castle was later burned during Argyll’s Rising.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
History
Carrick Castle is a 14th-century tower house on the west shore of Loch Goil. The castle was probably built by the Campbells in the late 14th century.
It was used as a hunting lodge by James IV. Mary Queen of Scots visited Carrick Castle in June 1563.
During Argyll's Rising in 1685, Captain Thomas Hamilton of HMS Kingfisher reported that the castle had been burned and its walls reduced enough to make it useless to Campbell forces. A later legend says the ship bombarded the castle and badly damaged the keep.
The castle was intermittently occupied until it was sold to the Murrays, Earls of Dunmore. It is a scheduled monument and Category A listed building.
After many years as a ruin, Carrick Castle is now in private ownership and undergoing restoration.
People
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James IV
Used Carrick Castle as a hunting lodge.
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Mary Queen of Scots
Stayed at Carrick Castle on 20-21 June 1563.
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Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll
His 1685 rising forms the context for the castle's burning.
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Captain Thomas Hamilton
Reported the burning and reduction of the castle during Argyll's Rising.
Connections
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Loch Goil
The castle stands on the loch's west shore.
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Cowal Peninsula
Carrick Castle lies on this Argyll peninsula.
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HMS Kingfisher
The ship's captain reported on the castle's 1685 damage.
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Murrays, Earls of Dunmore
Later owners after intermittent occupation.
What to look for
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Tower house massing
The building survives as a tall stone tower on a rocky peninsula.
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Landward defence
The peninsula was formerly defended on the landward side by a ditch and drawbridge.
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Thick walls
The source records the castle's substantial walling and tall vertical form.
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Restoration setting
The privately owned ruin is undergoing restoration.
What is said
Folklore and tradition, recorded as what is said — not as established fact.
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The bombardment story
A later legend says HMS Kingfisher bombarded the castle, badly damaging the keep and leaving it roofless. (legend)
Plan your visit
- Location
- 56.1088°N · 4.9056°W
- Access
- Private — no general public access
- Terrain
- Moderate walking
Opening & admission
No public entry assumed
- The source says the castle is in private ownership and undergoing restoration.
- Do not assume entry to the tower or restoration area.
Nearby places
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Robert the Bruce Yew
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Questions people ask
- What is Carrick Castle?
- It is a 14th-century tower house on Loch Goil in Cowal.
- Who built Carrick Castle?
- It was probably built by the Campbells in the late 14th century.
- Did Mary Queen of Scots visit?
- Yes. She stayed at Carrick Castle on 20-21 June 1563.
- Can you enter Carrick Castle?
- The source says it is in private ownership and undergoing restoration, so visitors should not assume entry.
Sources
Explore more: Building or ruins · Medieval · Argyll and Bute
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