Things to See and Do on Islay
Enjoy an action packed, fun filled things to see and do on Islay and Jura.
Updated January 2024
RSPB Guided Walks on Islay:
Every Tuesday and Thursday during the spring and summer months
We’ll be out looking for the elusive hen harriers and corncrakes. We’ll meet at 10am for both walks, on Tuesdays we’ll meet at the car park on the Oa, Meet at the Upper Kileyan Car Park. [email protected] 01496 300118 and on Thursdays we’ll meet at the Visitor Centre and explore the paths around Loch Gruinart. Guided walks are just £3 for Members, £5 for non-members and under 16s go free. No booking is required, and you can pay on the day (cash and card payments are accepted).No booking is required, and you can pay on the day (cash and card payments are accepted). Wear sensible shoes and suitable clothing. Walk lasts approximately 2 hours.
Live Traditional Music
Enjoy traditional live music in the bar at Port Charlotte Hotel Wednesday and Sunday night, April to October, start time 8.30pm, free.
Islay Encounters
Enjoy tours and safaris of Islay’s moorlands, woodlands, beaches and historical sites with nature expert and tour guide Tom Dunn at Islay Encounters
Islay Museum, Port Charlotte
Open Mon to Fri, 10.30am to 4.30pm Find out more about the history of the island and its inhabitants and explore its extensive collection of artefacts. The museum, which is in a former church in Port Charlotte, has undergone refurbishment this winter.
Tours of Jura
Enjoy Jura bus tours 7 days a week. Pick up and return to and from the ferry from Islay. You’ll be treated to a wonderful day of stories, history and culture, plus seeing everything Jura has to offer.
Ceramic painting at Persabus Pottery, Islay
Open all year round. Come have a go at painting your very own ceramic piece at Persabus Pottery. The Creative Studio has lots of paints, sponges, brushes, fun writers, and more to ensure you get the most from your painting experience. Rosemary will guide you through various techniques before capturing your creative style onto ceramics. Once finished, leave your pieces in the studio. They will be glazed and fired in the kilns and will be ready for collection a day or so later, or for an additional fee they can be posted on to you. (UK only) There is no need to book but please be aware we operate on a first come basis so during peak times or very wet days do try and arrive early to ensure your space. We charge a studio fee of £2 per painter (please note on busy days studio time may be limited to one hour)
Open Tues – Fri: 12noon – 4pm Sat: 12noon –3 pm
Pottery Painting Experiences | Persabus
Swimming, gym and Sauna
The MacTaggart Leisure Centre, Bowmore, Islay
25m x8.5m four-lane pool;
Gym overlooking Loch Indaal – fully equipped with range of cardio and resistance machines. Five-seater eco sauna.
See website for times and more details
Facilities | MacTaggart Leisure Centre
Islay Sea Adventures
Boat trips- regular tours with Islay Sea Adventures April to October.
Wildlife trips will be running Monday – Friday, 10AM and 2PM as well as Saturdays at 10AM.
Fishing trips will be running Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10AM and 2PM.
Seafood trips Wednesdays at 2pm. (there may be the odd one on different days if demand allows).
Corryveckan is tidal. The dates for Corryveckan are June 5 and 6, July 3 – 5,
August 1 – 4 and 29 – 31, September 1 – 2 and 15 – 18. Times vary depending on the tide.
The Mull of Oa, Dawn and Dusk trips will run on a basis of whenever the weather allows. These will be
announced via social media if they decide to run one. https://islay-sea-adventures.co.uk/
Handmade Scottish Tablet: An Gleann
Come and visit for some home grown preserves, a range of our own honey and beeswax gifts and, of course, lots of new season tablet
Islay Gin
Gin tastings and cocktails at Islay Gin, Islay Square, Bridgend. Opening hours are 11am-4pm, Tuesday – Saturday. Home | Isle of Islay Gin
Church services
For information please see the websites
St Kieran’s Church, Port Charlotte St Kiaran’s Church, Islay — North & West Islay Church of Scotland (northandwestislaychurches.org)
Catholic services are held at the Episcopalian church, Bridgend at 4pm on the first and third Sunday of every month. Special services out with these times are available on the church notice board, outside the gate and posted on the community facebook page.
Islay Baptist Church has the following services: 10am every Sunday in Port Ellen (with Junior Church 4-16 year olds) and 6:30pm every Sunday in Bowmore
St John’s Church, Port Ellen welcomes everyone to their services of worship held each Sunday at 11.30am.