Craigneil Castle stands high on a partially quarried rock of limestone above the River Stinchar. It is said to have been built in the 13th century by Neil, Earl of Carrick and son of Robert the Bruce.

The climb to the castle from the roadside is quite steep and very overgrown. Your path will take you into the quarry itself from which you should climb to the ridge on your right and with care follow it all the way to the top until you get to the ruin.

The tower is in a very ruinous state with one side of it having fallen into the quarry below, so do take care.

~ History ~

1484 ~ Alexander Kennedy is recorded as using his castle as a half-way safe house for his travelling guests between Cassillis Castle and Castle Kennedy. it is later used as a prison and place of execution.

1601 ~ John Kennedy, 5th Earl of Cassilis, following a pitched battle between the feuding Cassilis and Bargany Kennedy's, culminates in the fatal wounding of the Laid of Bargany by one of the Earl's men.  John Kennedy hangs one of the Lairds men named Dalrymple, despite being his second cousin. It is alleged that his actions are heavily influenced by his Tutor Laird, Thomas Kennedy of Culzean Castle.

1602 ~ In revenge Thomas Kennedy of Culzean is murdered by Bargany's younger brother at Greenan Castle.

1886 ~ Part of the castle collapses into the adjacent quarry.