The area around Kilmartin contains more than 350 ancient monuments, 150 of which are prehistoric. This extraordinary concentration of monuments that includes rock carvings, standing stones, and Neolithic and Bronze Age burial cairns distinguishes the Kilmartin Valley as Scotland's richest prehistoric landscape. Dunadd, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada also stands nearby. A good overview of the remarkable archaeology of the area can be found in the audio-visual presentations at Kilmartin House in the village.
Another key historical site in the area is the substantial ruins of the 16th century Carnassarie Castle. In the grounds of Kilmartin Church there are two groups of richly decorated gravestones dating from the 13th century, carved in the west Highland tradition featuring armed warriors and delicate foliage.
