Garlieston

See also a large Click On Map for the area Top Attractions.

The remains of Cruggleton Castle are situated about 3 miles south, on rocks high above the sea. This was the seat of the Earls of Galloway, with the castle being abandoned in the 1600s.

There is a coastal path from Garlieston to the castle via Galloway House gardens. Walk Information.

The image top is looking across Garlieston harbour to the new apartments at the harbour. The harbour is now mainly used for pleasure boats and vessels touring the area.

There is also a scenic touring caravan park at the harbour. View the Caravan Club Website.

The harbour has a large granite stone, placed here for the 50th anniversary of the Second World War.

Garlieston played a part in the war with portable harbour's being built here for the Normandy landings. There is a notice board at the harbour, as seen right, showing the work carried out.

The village has a bowling green and the Harbour Inn for drinks and meals.

Garlieston Lodge Campsite is situated by the village for tents and tourers, also with a trout fishery.

Galloway House and Estate are situated about 1 miles southwest of Garlieston.

The house was completed in the 1740s for Lord Garlies, sixth Earl of Galloway, and was once owned by the family of Dewar's Whisky.

The house is private with the gardens open to the public. Information on holiday cottages on the estate can be found on the website: www.gallowayhousegardens.co.uk

Galloway Tanks with offraod driving, shooting, archery and more is situated in Galloway House Estate.

Cruggleton Church is situated about 3 miles south of Garlieston next to the coastal road. This was the private chapel of Cruggleton Castle. The castle is a few hundred yards east of the church, through fields.

Garlieston History

1100s - Cruggleton Castle is built for the Lords of Galloway.

1600s - Cruggleton Castle is abandoned.

1740s - Galloway House is built for Lord Garlies, 6th Earl of Galloway.

1780s - Garlieston harbour & village are created for the 6th Earl of Galloway.

1816 - harbour is expanded for local businesses producing sailcloth, ropes, and building ships.

1900s early - the railway reached the village leading to passenger steamers running between Garlieston and the Isle of Man.

1930s - the Isle of Man steamers were withdrawn from service.

1941 - 1944 - Garlieston was used to produce Mulberry Floating Harbour's for the D-Day landings in France during World War Two.

1950s - the railway was closed.

2010 - flats are built at the harbour with great views.

Today - the village attracts tourists visiting the Whithorn peninsular, also known as the Machars peninsular, visiting the many historic attractions.