The substantial ruins of Dundrennen Abbey are some of the most impressive of the 13 Cistercian monasteries in Scotland. It was founded by Fergus, Lord of Galloway, in 1142 and established with monks from Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire. They went on to set up other monasteries in Galloway, Glenluce Abbey and Sweetheart Abbey. 

In 1568, a fleeing Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night on Scottish soil at the abbey after her escape from incarceration at Loch Leven Castle. 

Like many of the great abbeys in England, Dundrennen was disbanded and fell in to a ruinous state following religious reformation during the 16th century.