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  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Islands
  4. Isle of Islay

Lower Killeyan, Islay

Isle of Islay

The island of Islay sits off the west coast of Scotland. It's known for it's many whisky distilleries.

Islay and Jura at a glance

  • Towns & villages:

    Bowmore, Port Ellen, Port Charlotte, Craighouse 

Map of Scotland

Great things to do on Islay

Whether you’re exploring the island’s famous distilleries or wandering its scenic beaches, there’s plenty to see and do on Islay.

Beautiful walks to try on Islay

Find out everything you need to know about walking on Islay.

Explore one of Islay's stunning beaches

Islay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. Embrace the fresh air and enjoy stunning views along the way.

Have an adventure with guided outdoor activities on Islay

Book guided outdoor activities on Islay and get stuck into island life.

Three Distilleries Pathway

Cover 3 distilleries in 3 miles on the beautiful Isle of Islay - and maybe a wee dram or two along the way.

Islay nature and wildlife

Islay is packed full of wild scenery, flora and fauna throughout the year. Keep your eyes peeled while you're out and about and you might be in luck!

Scottish Island Adventures podcast - Islay and Jura

Get trip inspiration on Islay and Jura from host Coinneach MacLeod and special guest John Carmichael.

Top days out ideas

You're never short of things to do on the Isle of Islay. See iconic landmarks, book a whisky distillery tour or embrace the island's rich textiles history.

Islay distillery tours

With ten working distilleries, Islay is definitely the place to sample a dram.

Islay Woollen Mill

Wrap up warm with some Islay Woollen Mill fashion accessories. They have even featured in big blockbuster films including Braveheart and Rob Roy.

Ardnahoe Distillery

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the whisky making process and say hello to Islay's newest member of the whisky distillery family.

American Monument

This monument pays tribute to hundreds of American servicemen and offers stunning views over the North Channel, the sea between Ireland and Islay.

Driving tours

Hit the road and explore Islay until your heart's content by hiring your own car.

Carraig Fhada Lighthouse

This iconic lighthouse stands out from the rest and is the only square-shaped lighthouse in Scotland.

Inspiring routes, trails and itineraries

Islay is a wonderful place to explore, on foot, by bike or on a guided tour.

Lagavulin Distillery, Islay

Follow a route

Check out some tours and trails on the island, from sampling the exquisite whisky and finding out more about distilleries to exploring the open sea.

  • The Whisky Coast
  • Explore Islay by boat
  • 5-day Islay itinerary

See what's on the Isle of Islay

Find out what’s happening on the Isle of Islay with whisky festivals, genre-spanning live music, traditional gatherings and even a book festival taking place across the island throughout the year.

Fèis Ìle, 28 May – 6 June 2027 – Islay’s world-famous festival of music and malt brings together whisky tastings, distillery open days, live performances and Gaelic culture across the island.

Islay Book Festival, August 2027 – celebrate literature, storytelling and Scottish culture with author talks, workshops and events hosted across the island.

Ardnahoe Distillery

Ardbeg House, a luxury whisky-themed hotel in the Isle of Islay.

© Ardbeg House

Places to stay on Islay

From charming hotels to glamping pods, Islay has a great selection of accommodation options to choose from. 

  • Find accommodation on the Isle of Islay

Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay

Places to eat on Islay

With the sea on its doorstep and island bursting with life, there's plenty of fresh food and drink to try in addition to their famous whiskies!

  • Taste Islay and Jura Food, Drink and Foraging Festival
  • Explore Islay and Jura food and drink
Browse food & drink options

The Singing Sands on Islay

Find information on accessible trips

Whether you're a wheelchair user or looking for a holiday suitable for all the family. Islay's accommodation and attractions have the right amenities in place to help you have a fantastic trip away.

  • Accessibility on Islay
  • Accessible accommodation - Islay and Jura
  • Islay accessibility guide

Explore nearby

Looking for more island adventures to tick off your bucket list? Scotland is home to a whole host of exciting destinations from Jura and Mull to the Isle of Bute.

Mull & Iona

Two distinctive islands, one unforgettable experience. Discover the world of Mull and neighbouring Iona – where adventure meets tranquillity. 

Isle of Bute

Bute is perhaps the most accessible of Argyll’s islands. With its balmy climate, it's been a popular holiday spot for well over a century.

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