Activities on Islay and Jura
Distillery Visits
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Things to See and Do
Your Holiday starts here
where we regularly update information on opening times, walks, and activities available on the island for you to enjoy.
Getting Around
To get the most of your trip to Islay it is definitely worth considering transport around the island, this can be done by car or bike, buses or taxis, or enjoy a ferry trip across to the neighbouring Isle of Jura, or travel a little further to the Isle of Colonsay.
For further details on transport for your island adventures click here.
Visiting the island with an electric car? There are several electric car charging points on Islay. Visit for more information
ChargePlace Scotland | Scotland’s Public EV Charging Network
Distillery visits
Tours, tastings and opening times for 2022 click here
Activities and Adventures
Whether it’s cycling or kayaking, pottery painting or fly fishing, Islay offers something for everyone.
To access some of the exciting activities on offer click here
Coffee Shops and Light Bites
Ready for a good morning coffee?
There are plenty of great places to visit on Islay for a good cup of coffee, and some delicious light refreshments.
Click here for a guide to good coffee stops around the island.
Dining Out
From Seafood restaurants to small cafes and galleries. For more information on places to dine and opening times in 2022 click here.
Walking on Islay and Jura
For local walks do visit our Islay walks page
Jura can be easily accessed with the ferry operating regularly throughout the day from Port Askaig. Make sure you have sturdy walking boots and equipment as the terrain is rough.
Colonsay visits in the summer on Wednesdays and Saturdays, see the Calmac website for more details of sailings, which must be booked in advance.
RSPB Nature Reserve
The reserve has various habitats. These include mudflats, saltmarsh, wet grassland, moorland, blanket bog and broadleaved woodland. These habitats encourage and support a huge variety of birdlife and wildlife. Enjoy watching a variety of birds from the hide or go on one of the guided walks at the RSPB Nature Reserve at Loch Gruinart.
Finlaggan
Finlaggan is the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles. The islands have the old ruins buildings from the days when the Lords of the Isles ruled from Loch Finlaggan. The Visitor Centre is currently closed but you can still visit this ancient site. For more information click here.
The Museum of Islay Life
Step back in time and delve into 12,000 years of Islay’s history. Situated in the fishing village of Port Charlotte. The Museum of Islay Life is open April – October, Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday 11am – 3pm (max of 12-15 persons at a time, depending on configuration). More information can be found on the website
The Kildalton Cross
Along the road from Ardbeg, is a monolithic high cross and was erected more than 1,200 years ago and still stands in its original location.
Islay Woollen Mill
Opening times are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm. Face masks must be worn when visiting the mill. Hand sanitiser is provided and we request this to be used when entering the shop. Gloves can be requested to help protect you and our staff. Islay Woollen Mill, Online Shop, Tweed, Braveheart, Souvenirs, Country Clothing Islay
Islay House Square
Islay House Square is home to a variety of craft shops.
Islay Quilters – The Islay Quilters charity and other quilt work, plus information about our shop and history. Haberdashery, beautiful hand quilted and sewn pieces on sale.
Mackinnon’s Marmalade – Deli in Bridgend (business.site) Islay’s jams, jellies, marmalades and chutneys.
NERABUS® – Infused with Wild Islay Heather | Islay Gin Ltd for lovely Islay infused gin.
Islay Studios – commercial photography studio, with coffee shop, filled with framed photos of Islay and Jura, alongside original artwork, crafts and more.
Konrad Borkowski Photography, Jura
The Whisky Island gallery and studio. Visit the studio with
views on to Small Isles Bay and the Paps of Jura www.thewhiskyisland.co.uk
Annual events and festivals:
There are lots of exciting events and festivals on Islay and Jura throughout the year. The links below will guide you to some of these fantastic events.
Fèis Ìle 2022 – The 2022 Islay Festival (feisile.co.uk)
Islay Agricultural Show – Home | Facebook
