For the Scotland people:

I'm going to have a few hours on my hands waiting for ferries to/from Ardrossan, and was looking for suggestions of things to do/see, restaurants, etc. First time will be morning, second will be evening.

Ann

Ardrossan was a small industrial town with a one-time busy harbour. These days, apart from the Arran ferry there are very few other shipping services operating at this time. Much of the harbour itself is being redeveloped and new 'executive' homes are being built there all overlooking the reasonably new yachting marina. There is little to see and do in this particular area.

A 10-minute walk from the harbour into the town centre may be something you'd wish to do. I have to mention though that you may find much of it a little run-down.

On a hill in the town centre (10 mins from the harbour) you can easily walk up to Ardrossan Castle. Built in the 12th century much of the stonework was removed by Oliver Cromwell to help build another in Ayr. Not too much of Ardrossan castle remains and it is best not to walk through it, as it is now considered unsafe. Close to the castle is an ancient graveyard and that may be worth checking out. From the hill you will find good views to Arran and south Ayrshire and there are direction indicators there.

Details about the castle can be found here:-

http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/s...ayrshire5.html

Brodick, on Arran is a pretty little port and you will find there a tourist information centre beside the harbour. They have a lot of good local information including much about Brodick Castle. Not so sure you will have enough time to visit the castle but if you have then definitely do it. There are also nice walks around and in the town and just about enough to fill at least an hour.

Thanks, Bill. We're staying on Arran for a week, and the ferry times getting from NI to Troon, and then Ardrossan to Arran don't work together very well. We've spent time wandering in Ardrossan before waiting for the ferry--at least it's better than Stranraer.

Aside from Troon, anyone have any golf course suggestions within about a 30-minute drive of either Troon or Ardrossan?

Prestwick! Most of my golfing friends prefer Prestwick to Troon. (And it was the original course for the Open)

Ann

I agree with janis about Prestwick and really cannot add anything to that recommendation.

West Kilbride club would be my choice though. Closer to Ardrossan (15 minute drive), a great course with spectacular views. Visitors are welcome Monday to Friday. Their address is:-

www.westkilbridegolfclub.com/

bill

Thanks for the course suggestions. My only concern is that my husband and I are still crap golfers, so we don't like to hold people up on "good" courses, and we can't play any courses where you need a certain handicap. Would either of these courses be a problem for us?

Ann41 - Is stranraer that bad? I am driving from Dublin and Taking the ferry with a car from Belfast here and then off to Edinburgh. May be stuck there for a while waiting for the ferry back.

Siobhan, there's nothing there. Think of a day out in Larne

Ann41: I believe both Troon and Prestwick require either a handicap certificate or a letter from your home course secretary and advance reservations. (this may have changed but those were the rules 4 or 5 years ago)

There are several local clubs nearby w/o these sorts of restrictions. west kilbride would be good - but thare are probably 35 other courses in Ayrshire where you could get on for a round.

Ayrshire has plenty of good courses but I understood that Ann and her husband only has a few hours so suggested West Kilbride as it is a good club, very close to Ardrossan and one of the best in the NORTH of the county.

Ann, I suggest you email the club (address on their website) and explain your concerns. Hopefully there won't be a problem re your handicaps. I used to have a couple of contacts at the club but not these days or I would have tried to arrange something for you.

bill

Janis and Bill-

Thanks. West Kilbride sounds like the spot for a quick 9.

Siobhan, as Sheila says, Stranraer is that bad. It's just this tiny seemingly industrial town with nothing in it. Once spent a couple of hours in Troon which wasn't too bad as there's a decent beach to wander along, but haven't found any positives for Stranraer.

Thanks Ann/Sheila I will make sure I don't get there too early. Sounds like a small version of Newark NJ. Pray there are no storms to delay the ferry as I have no choice we already booked it!