Islay - Top 10 Picks

1.Distilleries

 

There are currently nine working distilleries on Islay. The first recorded distillery was Bowmore, founded in 1779; the most recent was Ardnahoe, which was established in 2018. There is something magical about Islay’s distilleries – will you have time to visit them all?

 

2. Finlaggan

 

What was once the stronghold of the Lords of the Isles, is now an atmospheric ruin on an islet in a shallow loch near Port Askaig. The Visitor Centre explains more.

finlaggan.org

 

3. Beaches

 

Islay boasts some of the most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere in the world. Go on a beach hunt or find your way to the Singing Sands and Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, starting from Port Ellen (ask a local for directions!).

 

4. Jura

 

A short hop by ferry from Port Askaig on Islay, Jura is one of the UK’s wildest destinations, famed for red deer and links to the writer George Orwell, who wrote 1984 here. Jura is a do-able day trip from Islay, though wildlife-lovers and walkers will want longer.

 

5. Mactaggart Leisure Centre

 

Situated within the heart of Bowmore village, this community owned and award-winning facility comprises of a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, sauna, swim shop, launderette, hair salon and multi- purpose activity room.

mactaggartleisurecentre.co.uk

 

6. The American Monument

 

Built on high cliffs on the Oa Peninsula, the American monument commemorates the loss of two troop ships, The Tuscania and the Otranto, in separate incidents on Islay’s treacherous coastline, in 1918.

 

7. Museum of Islay Life

 

Housed in the former Free Church in Port Charlotte, the museum records Islay life, from pre-historic to recent times. Exhibits include an illicit still and a large photographic archive.

islaymuseum.org

 

8. Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve

 

Greenland barnacle and Greenland white-fronted geese descend here in tens of thousands each autumn. You can also encounter corncrake, hen harriers, otters, and much more.

 

9. Port Ellen

 

Pretty Port Ellen is an island hub and home to a hotel, restaurants and a handful of shops. Stop for a scenic lunch and a stroll on the shore, or explore nearby archaeological sites, such as the Kilbride standing stones. Bowmore, on the east, is the island’s other main settlement.

 

10. Dunyvaig Castle

 

Dunyvaig Castle ruins on the shore of Lagavulin Bay, once a naval base of the Lord of the Isles, chiefs of Clan Donald. If you’re doing a tour at Lagavulin, go around the corner and head to the castle when you’re finished. Great views of the distillery and Lagavulin bay.