Top Things to do in Islay
10 Things to Do in Islay That You Shouldn't Miss
The Isle of Islay spans 240 square miles, with an impressive 130 miles of coastline. The island is famous for its malt whiskies, and there are eight distilleries on the island. To be sure, many people visit the Isle to tour distilleries and "appreciate" whisky, but the wildlife and scenery are also a big draw. Bird-watching is particularly popular through the year. Just don't try to squeeze it in after a distillery tour or two. Looking through binoculars has been known to make some people woozy, especially after whisky.
Restaurants in Islay
1. Bowmore Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 509 reviews
Reviewed By aellituv - Manchester, United Kingdom
We arrived a couple of hours before the tour began, but Kim from the visitors centre took us on a tour that was brilliant.
She allowed me to turn the malt!
Dreams are created here.
Thank you Kim and Bowmore for being such a special place to come to.
2. Caol Ila Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Caol Ila distillery is one of Islay’s best kept secrets. Situated on the North West of the Island, your initial approach takes in amazing views over the Sound of Islay and over to the Paps of Jura. The distillery itself hugs the coastline, the old dunnage warehouse that dates back to 1900 guards the stunning glass fronted still house. This George Leslie Darges styled building houses the six impressive copper stills which stand guard over the Sound of Islay. Allow some time to take a tour and experience whisky production at its best. Embracing both old and new technologies while utilizing skills going back generations, the distillery produces a well balanced, lightly smoked whisky, punctuated with fruit, spice and a little salt. Complete your visit with a tasting in the atmospheric surroundings of the old cooperage where you can experience some of Caol Ila's world class single malts.
Reviewed By Opiumpoppy - Stirling, United Kingdom
There is no point in me writing a tour to tell you that Caol Ila offers incredible whisky. It does but that is my opinion and your tastes may differ. However, what I will say is that it is not a distillery to miss if visiting the island.
I visited the distillery with three friends. As I was the designated driver we went with the chocolate and whisky tasting so that I could partially join in at the time. One draw back of this distillery is that, like many, the driver takes their whisky away in a small plastic tub. These tend to leak and are not ideal.
However, any negativity was utterly washed away by Emma our incredible guide. She was knowledgable without any sense of superiority; friendly while allowing space for us to talk and very generous in her approach. As I was driving she gave me a second set of chocolates to take away and try with my whisky at home.
Out of all the tastings I have been on I had the most fun at Caol Ila. Don’t miss this one on your visit.
3. Finlaggan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By Lakesman95 - Keswick, United Kingdom
The visitor centre had some interesting information about the Lords of the Isles meeting place and the replica/original artefacts on show. However because of recent rainfall access to the island was restricted, unless you had wellingtons, so the visit was only partial. Also, because there is a charge for the visitor centre, it would have been good to have a site interpretation leaflet, with walking route, interesting features highlighted and brief description of wildlife in the area, to give an overview for visitors. Enjoyed our time there, noting as a photographer how the light and atmosphere changed so rapidly.
4. RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Loch Gruinart is a working farm as well as a nature reserve.There's always plenty to see at Loch Gruinart. In autumn, thousands of white-fronted and barnacle geese arrive from Greenland. When they leave in spring, wading birds take centre-stage, with the courtship displays of snipe, lapwings, redshanks and curlews. Watch it all take place from our viewing centre and hides, or on one of our trails. During the summer months we offer guided walks, when we'll listen out for the corncrakes in the evening, or take a stroll through one of our trails searching out treecreepers, willow warblers, roe deer and speckled wood butterflies in the Woodland Trail, or on the higher Moorland Trail look out for hen harriers, golden eagles, red deer and marsh fritillary butterflies.
Reviewed By bootsnfuzz - Staten Island, New York
This is a beautiful area on Islay. When you arrive there is a unattended room with coffee and tea for a small donation. Inside there is a movie about Loch Gruinart Reserve. They have pictures of animals and birds you might see on your stay. There is a clean bathroom outside and parking is available. Be sure to wear some type of waterproof boots or shoes. Wear long pants and be aware of ticks. Use a bug repellent as my wife got a deer tick on her and had to get tested when we got back home. Scotland has only a 2% to 4% chance that the tick has Lyme disease so odds are you wont contract it. The landscape is wonderful with native plants and birds all over. There are many editable berries all over but make sure you know what you are eating.
5. Museum of Islay Life
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
This museum on the history of the Isle of Islay features photographs, first-hand documents and artifacts of the island's inhabitants.
Reviewed By Rrdino
Stopped by for some help tracking down relatives before they migrated to USA. Catherine was amazing in pulling files and books for us to pour over. 2 1/2 hours later we were armed with new and more info than we had before we came in. Wish I could say that every question was neatly answered but anyone on these journeys know it's time consuming but ultimately worth it. Thanks!!
6. Kildalton Cross
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By NIRS3 - Newcastle upon Tyne
We visited this site after visiting Laphroig. Lagavulin and Ardbeg Distilleries. It was certainly atmospheric and the cross worth seeing. There is another cross across the road secured with a protective tarpaulin but ir was difficult to see properly, A nice touch was the honesty box for cakes and tea and coffee.
7. Bowmore VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Bowmore's iCentre is located in the Square in the centre of the Island of Islay. Information is available to make your stay on the Island the best it can be. Our local, friendly team can help you with accommodation, things to do and of course, information on the Distilleries on the Island. We also offer a wide selection of gifts, including local branded souvenirs.
Reviewed By campbell2638 - Renfrew
Janice has been here for many years, is local, very knowledgeable and very cheery. Makes your day to talk to her
8. Outback Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By HettyKezia - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Visited regularly over several years and today. Amazing setting, great building, always good art to look at and occasionally buy! Lovely cakes and drinks. Very comfortable sofas to relax on.
Always worth a visit either pre or post a walk on the beach, or even pre and post!
9. Kildalton High Cross and Old Parish Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By EagleEyeBoston - Boston, Massachusetts
The most important historical site on Islay. Pretty drive from the Distilleries to the cross on a narrow road, no traffic.
10. Islay Ales Company Limited
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
A micro brewery producing 10 regular ales and beers through out the year plus seasonal specials.
Reviewed By NIRS3 - Newcastle upon Tyne
I had Islay beers at the Lochside in Bowmore and enjoyed them but couldn't buy them in the local CO-OP so decide to go to the source in Islay House square. We also visited some of the other shops. We arrived just after the shop/brewery...MoreThanks for your review! Just for future reference our ales are available in some of the local SPAR Shops around the island. In Bowmore The Whisky Shop stocks our ales, Lauries in Port Ellen, C&S Monks in Port Charlotte and The Mini Market in Brucihladdich.
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