St John`s Town of Dalry

St. Johns Town of Dalry

Called variously the Clachan of Dalry and St John’s Town of Dalry, Dalry features a picturesque collection of houses and cottages some dating back to the late 1700’s. The name Dalry comes from Gaelic meaning ‘meadow of the King’ and is said to have been given its full title by the Knights Templar in recognition of its importance on the pilgrim’s route between Edinburgh and Whithorn. Today, Dalry’s importance as a resting place continues for those walking the Southern Upland Way, which passes through the village. Buried in the churchyard lie three martyred Covenanters. Dalry being the origin of the Covenanters’ Pentland Uprising. The event is commemorated by the Covenanters’ Memorial situated near the school. The old church, still visible today, is associated with the Tam-o’-Shanter legend.

Today, many of the traditional businesses have been replaced by a new generation of technology based businesses due to the availability of high speed fibre optic broadband. The village boasts an excellent nursery, primary and secondary school attracting many families to the Glenkens. As a result, Dalry retains a vibrant community spirit including an annual Agricultural show and biennial, week long Clachan Fair.

Amenities supported by the community that can be enjoyed by visitors to Dalry include an hotel, an award-winning Inn and B&B, a local shop/post office, a community shop, a hairdresser, garage with 24hr filling station,  town hall, church, community centre and library.

Because of Dalry’s proximity to Loch Ken it is an ideal base from which to enjoy water based outdoor pursuits many of which are available at the Galloway Activity Centre or Water Ski School on the shores of the loch. Other local activities include golf, bowling, tennis / 5-a-side football / basketball on an all-weather surface, fishing (both coarse and fly) and a modern playpark for our younger visitors. Being on the edge of the Galloway Dark Skies Park, Dalry is becoming increasingly important as a destination for Star Gazers.