Cairnholy

Dating back to around 2000 BC, these Neolithic burial chambered cairns are of a type characteristic of Galloway. Situated in a beautiful and tranquil spot on a hill, Cairnholy boasts fine views across Wigtown Bay to the Machars and the Isle of Man on the horizon.

The two cairns of Cairn Holy are an impressive survival, particularly Cairnholy I with its concave façade of tall pillar stones. Their landscape position is equally impressive, situated on a hill offering fine views over Wigtown Bay. Both were built in the 4th millennium BC. They are known as Clyde Cairns, a type of tomb characteristic of southwest Scotland.

Both tombs are now open to the sky – their covering stones were robbed long ago to build field dykes. Cairn Holy I is the more elaborate of the two, while Cairn Holy II is said to be the tomb of the mythical Scottish king Galdus.

Visitor Information

Cairn Holy Chambered Cairns are free to visit and open year-round.

Visitors’ dogs are permitted they must, however, be kept on a lead at all times and should not be left unattended. This includes in parked vehicles that are on Historic Scotland property as this is illegal. Please see our policy document detailing rules and where dogs are permitted at places to visit under the care and management of Historic Environment Scotland - https://www.historicenvironment.scot/dog policy