The Marymass Festival is famous for its horse races, believed to be the oldest in Europe. It is named after Mary, the mother of Jesus and is held near August 15, the Feast of the Assumption. But it also honors Mary (1542-1587), queen of Scots, who is said to have visited Irvine and enjoyed the festivities in 1563.

What is marymass?

Marymass is a festival in Irvine, dating back to the Middle Ages, the modern version of which dates from the 1920s. It was originally associated with the Virgin Mary (rather than Mary Queen of Scots, as is often supposed). ... The festival takes place in mid August.

What is the oldest town in Ayrshire?

Part of modern Irvine contains the oldest continually inhabited village in Europe. Dreghorn, a separate village on the outskirts of Irvine, appears to contain archaeological remains dating back to the first incursions of humanity into Scotland (Mesolithic).