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Things To Do On Islay

Your Holiday starts here.

With a choice of so many exciting things to see and do, after a day of island adventures, whether it is trekking over the beautiful landscape, or heading on fishing expeditions and boat trips, we have popped it all below for you.

Whether you like supping a fine malt, dining on delicious seafood, or immersing yourself in the island’s rich history. Which Distilleries to visit ? (probably all of them!). With amazing wildlife, magnificent beaches, and loads of fabulous walks to enjoy, we have written guides to help you make the most of your Islay time, and with so many things to do, you may just need to come back again.

For a diary of events throughout the year head to our calendar page here

Islay Whisky Distilleries

Find out more about Islay and Jura's Distilleries and visiting them when you are here....

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Places to Eat on Islay

When you come to Islay you can expect to be well-fed and well-watered. With a…...

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A person sitting on a beach with footprints in the sand watching the sunset on Islay

Beaches on Islay

Surrounded with a wild, rugged and beautiful coastline Islay has lots of fabulous beaches to…...

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Out for a walk in Islay with The Papas of Jura in the background

Walking on Islay and Jura

There are so many exciting walks to explore. From spectacular hikes, to coastal walks, there's…...

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watercolour painting, with paints and brushes beside it.

Islay Art Workshops and Courses

Enjoy the art experiences on offer at Persabus. From pottery painting, to art courses focusing…...

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Guided Adventures on Islay

Explore Islay's beautiful natural environment. Enjoy watching the wildlife come out to play. From Sea…...

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Things to See and Do on Islay

Enjoy a Calendar of local events...

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Dog Friendly On Islay

Enjoy our guide to dog friendly places to visit on Islay...

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Visiting the Isle of Jura

With just one single track road, following the east side of the island, you will…...

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Activities and Adventures

Fishing, shooting, golfing, cycling and swimming enjoy lots of Islay adventures and activities....

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A European Hare at Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve on Islay

RSPB Nature Reserve

The reserve has various habitats. These include mudflats, saltmarsh, wet grassland, moorland, blanket bog and…...

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Museum of Islay Life

Step back in time and delve into 12,000 years of Islay’s history....

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Islay Woollen Mill

Opening times are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm....

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Islay Sea Adventures

Enjoy sea adventures, with boat trips, fishing trips, and more....

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Diary of What’s On

A month by month guide to exciting events on Islay in 2024...

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Islay History and Heritage

Delve into Islay's exciting and diverse history. From the Norse Invasions to the Lords of…...

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Finlaggan

Finlaggan is the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles. The islands have the…...

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Getting Around Islay and Jura

By Car: From Glasgow, drive to Kennacraig – this journey should take approximately two and a…...

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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 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.

The 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

Islay House Square

Islay Quilters – The 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 selling home made jams, jellies, marmalades and chutneys.

The Islay Whisky Vault : A huge selection of fine classic malt whiskies, rum and gin. Enjoy sampling and chatting in this beautiful new centre. Locally run and locally owned, with a passion for Islay’s spirits that has grown and flourished through many generations.

Islay Gin : Enjoy delicious heather infused island gin locally produced on Islay.

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

Visit the neighbouring Isles of Jura and Colonsay

For a guide to things to see and do on Jura click here

Visit Colonsay with the Calmac summer ferry sailings on Wednesdays and Saturdays, see the Calmac website for more details of sailings, which must be booked in advance.

For a guide of things to see and do on Colonsay click here

Annual events and festivals:

There are lots of exciting events and festivals throughout the year. The links below will guide you to some of these fantastic events.

Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival

Agricultural Show – Home | Facebook

Ardbeg Half-Marathon (islayhalfmarathon.co.uk)

Book Festival

Home – Islay Jazz Festival

RIDE OF THE FALLING RAIN

Accommodation

Explore our delightful Islay accommodation where we have a fabulous choice of country accommodation on this beautiful island.

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Pottery

Enjoy watching as pieces are hand painted with unique designs reflecting Islay and Jura’s landscapes and seascapes.

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