About the Isle of Islay

Islay is the Southern-most isle of the Inner Hebrides and has about 3,000 inhabitants. It’s 25 miles long and 20 wide and has 130 miles of coastline – that’s a lot of beaches! Islay is chiefly known for its distinctive strong flavoured peaty whiskies – such as Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin. There are 11 distilleries on Islay, and a visit to at least one for a tour and a dram is a must!

 

Food Stores for Self-Caterers

• CoOp supermarket - Port Ellen
• Spar supermarket - Port Ellen
• CoOp supermarket - Bowmore
• Butcher - Bowmore

Restaurants, Pubs and Cafe’s

• Ardbeg Café - Ardbeg Distillery
• The Islay Hotel (Ardbeg House), Restaurant, Pub – Port Ellen
• Sea Salt Restaurant & Take Away – Port Ellen
• Ellen's Wok: Take Away – Port Ellen
• 1st Charlotte Street: Pub - Port Ellen
• Ardview Inn:, Pub - Port Ellen

Places to visit

• 11 Single Malt Whisky Distilleries
• Kildalton Cross: 8th century
• Dunyvaig Castle: Ruin next to Lagavulin
• Finlaggan: Visitor Center, Ruins
• Museum of Islay Life: Port Charlotte
• Round Church: Bowmore
• Islay Woolen Mill: near Bridgend
• Islay House Square: shops, gallery, brewery
• Portnahaven: Impressive waves when stormy
• Machrie 18-hole Golf Course
• Birdwatching: Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve
• Loch Fishing: Port Ellen Angling Club
• Sea Fishing: Islay Sea Adventures – Port Ellen
• Cycling: bikes can be rented in Port Ellen

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