Brodick Castle is open daily from April until October and the Country Park all year round from 9.30am until sunset. The site of the castle & grounds�has been occupied by a stronghold of some kind�from the fifth century when an ancient Irish tribe came & founded the Kingdom of Dalriada since then it�has been destroyed and re-built many times during its turbulent history. In 1503 the castle and the Earldom of Arran were granted by James IV to his cousin Lord Hamilton.� That structure was demolished in 1544. Parts of the present day castle date back to 1588 during the ownership of the 2nd Earl of Arran who was guardian and regent of Queen Mary. As the home of the Dukes of Hamilton, the castle was occupied by Cromwellian troops after the first Duke was executed during the civil war in 1648 and the second died in battle just 3 years later. Brodick castle eventually passed into the hands of Mary, Dutchess of Montrose, who revitalised the gardens. Since her death in 1957 it has been owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Inside are paintings, porcelain and furniture from various owners and the gardens world famous for�its stunning�rhododendrons.� The�grounds also feature the walled garden, the Ice House�and the Bavarian Summer House. Visit the web site for National Trust of Scotland for additional information
