Dunnstown is a rural village 12 km east of Ballarat on the railway line from Melbourne. Dunnstown is situated in a district extending from Warrenheip to Gordon which was intensively settled by Irish immigrants. The volcanic soil at Dunnstown is good for agriculture, which attracts many residents who love the open spaces or farming pursuits. A major tourist attraction is Kryal Castle which is located at Leigh Creek, just north of Dunnstown. Kryal Castle is a replica medieval castle located 8 kms east of Ballarat, in the foothills of Mount Warrenheip. The castle's name derives from the first initial and surname of its builder, Keith Ryall, who had made his fortune selling body armour. A gorgeous country village for families to live with a community centre, the Shamrock Hotel, a Catholic church, St Brendan’s primary school, and a recreation reserve. Its football club (1894) plays in the Central Highlands football league.
