Things to Do on Islay – More Than Just Whisky

Laphroaig Islay white building with black name on it

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The Isle of Islay is Scotland’s Queen of the Hebrides. Located on the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, Islay is best known for its whisky distilleries so best discovered by tour or with a designated driver. However, there are more things to do on Islay than sample Scotland’s water of life.

Things to do on Islay

Islay Whisky Tour

I’m not lying when I say that Islay is the island of Whisky. There are at least eleven whisky distilleries on Islay which cover the whole map, excluding the northwest corner. The fertile island surrounded by pure water makes for an ideal space for making one of Scotland’s biggest exports (along with meat, chemicals, and textiles).

One of the popular distilleries on the island is Ardbeg Distillery which has been making the liquid sunshine for over 200 years and has won the ‘World Whisky of the Year’ award for 4 times out of the last 7 years. The views are worth a visit, even if you are not having a tot.

  • Address: Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7EA


Things to do on Islay

Laphroaig Distillery Tour

‘The beautiful hollow by the broad bay’ Laphroaig, is located in the south of the island and has been distilling since 1815. Today visitors can take an extensive guided Islay distillery tour of the premises with quite a few samples thrown in along the way.

  • Address: Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7DU


Laphroig Whisky | Whisky tours of Islay

Islay Woollen Mill

Islay Woollen Mill is an interesting place. Yes, you can visit Islay to purchase a woollen but the wee shop is more than that. As first timers, we were invited to take a short tour of the mill. Visitors may be shown how wool becomes a scarf at such technique. The owner has fitted Hollywood movies such as Braveheart and Rob Roy.

  • Bridgend, Isle of Islay PA44 7PQ

Islay Beaches – Machir Bay

Crystal blue waters, fine white sand – no, I’m not talking about the Maldives! Welcome to our private beach, Machir Bay (also known as Kilchoman Beach or Machrie Beach) on the Isle of Islay. Islay has a handful of beaches worth your time if the weather is right. If you’d like to see more of Scotland’s beaches I recommend checking out our guide to the Isle of Bute which is an easy day trip from Glasgow!

Machir Beach Islay Beaches

Museum of Islay

This former church is now home to the Museum of Islay which holds over 1600 artefacts from stones to photographs.

  • Address: Port Charlotte

Getting around Islay

Although there are approximately 300 habitants living on Islay, it is quite difficult to get around without a tour of a car. Islay car hire is available with approximately 30 cars and two offices (Islay Airport and Bridgend). Deliveries to both ports are available

How to get to Islay

If you don’t have a car never fear, getting to Islay is relatively easy from the west coast of Scotland.

Glasgow to Islay

Buses leave from the main bus station in Glasgow, Buchan Galleries throughout the morning, arriving at Kennacraig usually in time for the Isle of Islay ferry. The journey is just under 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Edinburgh to Islay

From Scotland’s capital city, you cant take a bus or train direct to the city of Glasgow. Then follow the above instructions.

Isle of Islay Ferries

There is a direct ferry from Kennacraig. Alternatively, another ferry runs from Oban, Colonsay and Port Askaig.

Islay Scotland Ferry Ride
Flights to Islay

On the more expensive side of travel, it is possible to fly to Islay from Glasgow, Colonsay and Oban. Flights are naturally restricted when weather is poor.

Islay weather

Like most of Scotland, Islay enjoys the least rainfall in April-July. High Season can be grim with the ‘Scottish summer’ taking its toll in July and August.

Like most of the west coast of Scotland, Islay’s beauty is no shade for the masses of midges that invade. Come prepared with your Avon so Soft US / UK to repel the wee beasts.

Islay pronunciation

How do you pronounce Islay? A common question asked by tourists. Eye-la is the correct answer (and Glasgow is Glas-go, Edinburgh is Edin-bru).

Camping on Islay

One of the cheaper Islay accommodation options is to camp. You can pretty much unzip your tent to open up facing the sea. Port Mor Campsite is well equipped, clean and has a café. Within a five minute walk for the site, there are two hotels, when dined in one and drank in the other.

—-> Have you heard about Scotland’s route 66? It’s called the North Coast 500 and starts in Inverness passing through the small villages and stunning beaches of the coasts then back to ‘Snessy! Whisky distilleries and campsites galore.

Hot Scot Trip Alert: Have you heard about Scotland’s route 66? It’s called the North Coast 500 and starts in Inverness passing through the small villages and stunning beaches of the coasts then back to ‘Snessy! Whisky distilleries and campsites galore.

Laphroaig Islay, Scotland

Have you been to Islay?
Which distilleries would you like to visit?


Read next | Scotland travel guide


 

2 thoughts on “Things to Do on Islay – More Than Just Whisky

  1. Helen says:

    I have since found out that Yan’s Kitchen is the place to eat in Port Charlotte. Apparently the cheesecake is a party for the tastebuds.

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