Located on the Water of Girvan in South Ayrshire, Dailly, or ‘New Dailly’ to distinguish it from ‘Old Dailly’, was developed in the mid 18th-century as a coal mining village. The ruins of the Robert Adam-designed Dalquharran Castle stand on a hill overlooking the village. The ruined church at Old Dailly dates from pre-Reformation times, and houses the mysterious Blue Stones; thought to be Charter Stones, ancient symbols granted to an area in place of a written charter, several legends have grown up around them. One holds they were Sanctuary Stones and would protect anyone sitting against them, and another belief is that their mystical powers would bring good fortune to anyone touching them. The village of Dailly today has a pub, shop and post office and the series of Dailly Trails make for ideal walking, forming part of the Carrick Way. Dailly’s proximity to the Ayrshire coast makes it an ideal venue for exploring the many golf courses, beaches and castles, including spectacular Culzean Castle, and with the Galloway Forest Park nearby and its many walks and cycle rides, this is a great location to use as a base for touring.
