Located on the edge of Kilmarnock, Dean Castle is a well preserved 14th century keep with a 15th century palace block with a tower and curtain wall enclosing a courtyard. The adjoining three-storey house dates from the 17th century. In the 14th century, it was held by the Balliols but Robert the Bruce gave it to the Boyd family. Robert Boyd was guardian of King James III in the 15th century. The 4th Earl Boyd was a Colonel in the guard of Bonnie Prince Charlie and was executed after the Battle of Culloden.
The castle deteriorated in the 18th century but was restored in 1905 using stone from Balconie Castle and now looks in good condition despite its age. There is a museum with a collection of armour and musical instruments. The castle and grounds were donated to the town of Kilmarnock in 1975 and there is now a pleasant country park with a children's corner and collections of farm animals and rare breeds. The park is a favourite with the locals in spring time when it has a mass of daffodils. There is a visitor centre and cafeteria.
