The Ship is now owned by the Greene King/Belhaven Group. It serves 5 cask ales, including Old Speckled Hen
and other alternating guests from the Belhaven
range of ales.
The Burns connection
The pub is situated directly opposite the historic St Michael’s Kirkyard where Robert Burns is buried and is within 300 yards of Burns House
where the poet
spent the last
few years of
his life.
The Ship Inn has made a very welcome return to form after a few changes of ownership. The pub has been a long-time favourite for Real Ale enthusiasts in Dumfries and the surrounding area and is well-frequented by locals. The new publican is enthusiastic for Cask Ale - and as a result its quality has been improving steadily over the last few months to reach its previous well-deserved reputation as one of the best wee pubs in the area.
It is a small traditional ‘uncomplicated’ pub which is popular with locals and which offers a friendly welcome to visitors. It consists of a front bar with a small rear lounge area.
Not every pub gets
a mention in Hansard!
We have an reference from HANSARD which asks
“why the Ship Inn Dumfries which has for some months past been openly conducted as a public house without a licence is not being prosecuted by the local Excise Officials?”
That was in June 1884. We understand that the matter was sorted out at the first available opportunity ....
The Ship is the nearest good ale pub to the Crichton Campus which serves the University of the West of Scotland, The University of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway College.
The Crichton Campus is used for a variety of Conferences and events
One interesting feature is the nice stained glass panels which decorate the two front windows
The Ship Inn - Dumfries
The Ship has joined other local pubs by promoting its own Beer Festival.
The 1st “Ship Wrecked” Beer Festival will be held from 20th to 29th April 2012. With over 20 ales on offer it should be another great event for local ale drinkers