For your entertainment there is plenty to do, see, visit and enjoy in Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead, Tarbert and adjoining areas of Kintyre, Argyll.
Depending on your particular preferences and the time that you can spare, you can have your pick from some of the activities that are available: you can visit castles, ancient culture centre, go for a walk in the parks, visit the standing stones or enjoy some of the sporting activities that are available there.
Castles in Tarbert, Kintyre, Argyll
Carnasserie Castle Ruin is in Kilmartin, approximately 17 miles from Ardrishaig. Take the A83 towards Lochgilphead and just past Ardrishaig, take the A816 towards Oban for approximately 16 miles to Carnasserie. Admission is free.
Inveraray Castle, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll is open for the public from April to October, opening times can vary. Here you will see the famous Armoury Collection on display as well as the French tapestries, Scottish and European furniture. Telephone: 01499 302203, Fax: 01499 302421 or send an email to them.
Kilmartin Glen is the valley where you will find enormous evidence of the Ancient Kingdoms of the Scots. It is more than 5000 years old and here you will find fascinating standing stones, stone circles and castles. Take the A83 towards Lochgilphead and just past Ardrishaig, take the A816 towards Oban for approximately 14 miles and then turn left on a small road, about 3 miles short of Kilmartin. Here is one standing stone, out of a number of standing stones of various sizes and shapes at this site, against which Mr. Malcolm MacDonald of Ardrishaig, Argyll is measuring up. The stone is about twice the height of Malcolm who perhaps believed no one will notice him trying to gain some advantage by standing on a stone at the base of the standing stone!
Kilmartin House Museum of Ancient Culture is a well known Archaeological museum. Here you will find fantastic modern audio-visual and interactive displays. Take the A83 towards Lochgilphead and just past Ardrishaig, take the A816 towards Oban for approximately 16 miles to Kilmartin. Kilmartin House Trust, Kilmartin, Argyll, PA31 8RQ. Telephone: 01546 510278, Fax: 01546 510330, email for information.
Tarbert Castle ruins are of a 13th century Royal castle. You will find an ivy clad ruins of an observation tower of this once a Royal Castle. Take the foot-path from Harbour Street to the Castle site.
Gardens and Parks in Tarbert, Kintyre, Argyll
Arduaine Garden is situated approximately 24 miles from Tarbert or just14 miles from Ardrishaig. Take the A83 towards and just past Ardrishaig, then take the A816 towards Oban for approximately 14 miles to Arduaine. Telephone: 01852 200366 to make arrangements.
Kilmory Woodland Park is next to Lochgilphead. Here you can enjoy Loch side walks, see some interesting and unusual plants. Whitegates, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RS. For further information Telephone: 01546 602518.
Special Interest Entertainment
Campbeltown Pottery, 34 Union Street, Reform Square, Campbeltown, Argyll. Hand made tableware, lamps, tiles, etc. are available. Telephone: 01586 553550.
Highbank Porcelain, Highbank Park, Oban Road, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8NN. Their web site is still under construction. Buy high quality porcelain for reasonable prices. Telephone: 01546 602044 for further information.
Ronachan Silks, Ronachan Farmhouse, Clachan, By Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6XW. Hand painted silk: scarves, ties, kaftans, wall hangings and cushions. Telephone: 01880 740242.
Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6ET. Founded in 1828 by J and A Mitchell. The distillery is still owned by the same family. Guided tour is available and ask about the secrets of whisky making. For further information Telephone: 01586 552085.
