Kirkintilloch the East Dunbartonshire town whose name nobody can pronounce. So let’s call it ‘Kirkie’!
‘Kirkie’ began as a Roman fort… we think. There aren’t any recordings of a town here before then, but the ancient Scots didn’t tend to write things down. The Antonine wall runs through this town, the northernmost frontier of the Romans when they invaded Britain. We have told this story before – but the Romans came to Britain, got so far north, decided not to go any farther, and threw up Hadrian’s Wall on their way home again. The Antonine Wall is an earthen rampart that runs from east to west and shows the limits of their explorations north.
What else is in Kirkintilloch? Well, the Clan Cumming established both a castle and a kirk here in the 12th century. They were on the wrong side of the battles during the Wars of Independence and later lost all of their lands. The barony of Kirkintilloch fell to Sir Malcolm Fleming courtesy of Robert the Bruce. The long history of the town continued when the Jacobite army had to retreat through the town on their way to fight at Culloden. In 1773 the Forth and Clyde Canal was built to cross through the town, making it one of the most important industrial area in Dunbartonshire.
So if you were in Kirkintilloch for a few days, what would you do with yourself? Let’s take the Five Minutes Spare guide so you can find out!
Kirkintilloch in five Minutes
Image: sevenMaps7/Shutterstock.com
So if you were here for a week, what sorts of things to do are there? We picked the best attractions in Kirkintilloch – just for you!
The Antonine Wall
…We don’t have anything else to say about it really, but it would be a shame to come this far north and not see this important part of history. One thing to note is that it was built in 127 AD, so that should give you a clue as to how old it is and how much of it is left! You can also kill two birds with one stone so to speak as it’s in Peel Park which is well worth a wander round. It even has some rather quaint ornate lamp posts.
Peel Park is conveniently located in the town.
Image: TreasureGalore/Shutterstock.com
The Auld Kirk Museum
Considered to be one of the oldest and the finest sights in Kirkintilloch; the Auld Kirk Museum and its graveyard are Grade A listed. This is the same as being a category 1 listed building and means the structures have been protected to be preserved for future generations. The Auld Kirk is in the Peel Park area of town, which is the oldest area of town and where the Roman fort was originally situated. It’s thought to date back to the 14th century and was built after the old castle was destroyed.
Nowadays you can browse Peel Park, visit the memorial benches that were erected after the war, and use the numerous interactive displays that tell you all about the area, the museum, and the history of Peel Park itself. It is the top-rated attraction in Kirkintilloch on Trip Advisor.
Kirkintilloch Golf Club
If there is one thing us Scots do well it is our national sport. No, we don’t mean football and no, we don’t mean caber tossing. We mean golf… the sport that has four letters and starts with a ‘Tee’. Kirkintilloch is no exception to the ‘only towns with more than a thousand people has a golf club’ rule and provides its very own golf course. The course is a full 18 holes and was laid out in 1895… historically, it’s not the oldest – but it’s up there. This particular course is a par 70… Good luck!
The Turret Theatre
The Turret Theatre regularly runs shows and events throughout the year. They are the home to the Kirkintilloch Players amateur drama group, a popular pastime that has lessened in popularity recently. This trend was established during the wars when morale was low and is a trend that can be seen up and down the UK. It is a great shame that the amateur drama tradition is dying out in the country and we should try to revive it… so go see a show!
Paintball!
Everyone loves paintball! At Kirkintilloch, you can take part in it in large groups, small groups, or one or two playing together. This is a regular destination for work nights out, team-building exercises, and even just for groups of friends. Arranging a day shooting each other with paint guns is priceless and Kirkintilloch is one of the best places in Scotland to get your paint on… literally.
Go For A Swim
If you are feeling energetic then pop down to the Leisure centre where you can swim. The centre has two pools which are open 7 days a week apart from 1st and 2nd January, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The main pool is open from 7.30 am weekdays to 10 pm and from 8.30 to 9.00 at the weekends.
Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre has two pools and a Gym
Editorial credit: TreasureGalore / Shutterstock.com
Where to Eat, Drink, and Party in Kirkintilloch?
So where are the best places to spend those essential holiday moments? Well if you want to eat out in Kirkintilloch with the kiddies then we suggest a family night at Nonna’s Kitchen. They are a kitchen with an included bar that is very family-friendly. If you are dining on a date or trying to impress a new client, try Italian food at Café Mariana. Situated on the Cowgate, they have a reputation for having the best Italian on the Kirkintilloch side of Glasgow.
If you want to get a drink or start your night out in Kirkintilloch then check out Bar Bliss for the best cocktails and the potential for partying. If you want to keep it refined and enjoy a classy glass of wine then try the Stables. It is a Georgian pub situated on the canal’s edge.
Other Notable Attractions in Kirkie
There are a few other things to do in Kirkintilloch. If you find yourself with more free time then check out:
- St Mary’s Parish Church – which is a fine old building and still gets used.
St. Mary’s Parish Church
Editorial credit: TreasureGalore / Shutterstock.com
- Nearby Lenzie Golf Club – if you really, really, really love golf…
- The Forth and Clyde Canal – you can walk the promenade but watch out for those cyclists. They will run you down if you are in their lane.
Five Minutes Spare
Don’t forget there are loads of other places you can visit in Scotland (with a little help from Five Minutes Spare). With guides like these; why go anywhere else? If nothing else, at least you get a laugh.
