An interesting walk with loads of interest, and some Scots words too. Click on the link to see more. In 2015 Irvine’s Harbourside was up for an Academy of Urbanism award as on one of three ‘Great Places’ in the United Kingdom
This award run by the Academy of Urbanism celebrate how places are created and sustained, and a great place to visit. Irvine’s Harbourside, North Ayrshire’s cultural hub, was shortlisted in the ‘Great Place’ category alongside the Peace Bridge in Londonderry and Scald Lane Bridge in Hull.
Harbour Arts Centre (HAC)
Situated on Irvine’s harbourside the highly reputed Harbour Arts Centre provides an array of events and activities that cater for all age groups, as well as its vibrant Art Gallery, and a 115 seats theatre which plays host to live music, theatre, and comedy
Exhibitions: An ever-changing exhibition programme presents a range of local artists, traditional and contemporary work by up and coming Scottish artists.
Theatre: Live music, comedy and theatre productions with both professional and amateur companies on view. For further information
To email them: harbourarts@north-ayrshire.co.uk Tel: 01294 274059
Scottish Maritime Museum
Where else could you marvel at a boat built in the bedroom of a Glasgow townhouse by two teenagers in the last century or the curious Uffa Fox Parachuted Airborne Lifeboat complete with survival kit? Where else would you find the oldest floating Clyde-built vessel in the world or Scotland’s last Scottish built puffer?
Visit the Scottish Maritime Museum and enjoy a day spent exploring a national collection of historic boats, maritime art and shipbuilding machinery. Explore the nationally recognised collection in the vast glass-roofed Linthouse, itself a former 18th century shipyard engine shop from Govan.
Climb aboard the MV Kyles the oldest floating Clyde-built vessel in the world on the Harbourside and tour the 1920’s shipyard worker’s tenement flat.
After all that, enjoy good food and estuary views at the Puffers Café and discover a wide range of heritage and maritime themed gifts in the Boat Shop.
Opening Times: Open daily throughout the year 10am – 5pm (Late night Tuesdays till 6:30pm)
Prices: Adult: £7.50; Concession: £5.50; Kids Go Free (up to three children with each accompanying adult)
Portal
Located in the heart of Irvine, Portal provides an exciting new facility for North Ayrshire and beyond. Swimming pool, fitness suite, family history and genealogy centre and conference facilities in the restored Town House
Irvine Burns Club and Museum
Eglinton Country Park
Eglinton Country Park and District gives you the space and freedom to enjoy a wide range of pursuits – tranquil country walks, play and picnic areas, cycling, horse riding, fishing on the lochside or simply watching the wildlife world go by. There is also a full programme of exciting organized events run by our Countryside Rangers right through the year.