Today the castle stands in ruins on a rocky promontory on the Carrick coast, overlooking the small harbour of Dunure.

"[4] In August 1563, Mary, Queen of Scots, visited the castle for three days during her third progress round the west of the country.

[7] Gilbert had expected to secure the Commendatorship,[8] however Allan obtained it through the influence of his relative, Captain James Stewart of Cardonald.

[9] Gilbert, with sixteen men,[10] caught Allan Stewart unexpectedly in Crossraguel Woods whilst a guest of the Laird of Bargany,[2] and tricked him [11] into journeying to Dunure.

The Commendator was rescued from his confinement by the Laird of Bargany, Allan's brother in law, who arrived with a body of men; first hiding in the chapel and then storming the castle.

[17] The rights to the abbey lands were settled, partly by the Earl providing Allen Stewart with sufficient funds to allow him to live 'comfortably' for the rest of his life.

The castle and estate of Dunure, together with Dalquharran, were purchased by Sir Thomas Kennedy of Kirkhill in the late 17th century.

[1]The castle consisted of two distinct parts; a keep of an irregular shape on the top of a precipitous rock and other buildings at a lower level.

For three days from 4 August 1563, Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed at Dunure Castle on her Royal tour down the west coast to Glenluce Abbey then on to Whithorn Priory.

Recovery of building materials for the construction of the Cromwellian citadel in Ayr may also account for its ruination, as occurred at Ardrossan Castle.

Much evidence exists for the systematic dismantling of the structure for recoverable building materials including the orderly removal of slates, stone, and glass.

The route of a stone-lined water course was located at the south end of the trench as it ran into the entrance of the Area 4 kitchen range.

The O'Neils of Ireland are competitors for her hand and to ensure a love match, the legend of the Brownie of Dunure is employed with mixed results.