Location: Port Ellen
Top Things to do in Port Ellen
Top Restaurants in Port Ellen
10 Things to Do in Port Ellen That You Shouldn't Miss
Port Ellen (Scottish Gaelic: Port Ìlein) is a small town on the island of Islay, in Argyll, Scotland. The town is named after the wife of the founder, Frederick Campbell of Islay. Its previous name, Leòdamas, is derived from old Norse meaning "Leòd's Harbour".
Restaurants in Port Ellen
1. Laphroaig Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 854 reviews
For nearly 200 years a small team of dedicated islanders have worked here to create what is considered to be the most distinctive single malt in the world. Of course over time the people change, but our traditional methods, the ancient skills and absolute dedication to quality always remains. We would be proud if you make the journey to visit our home and you will be assured of the warmest of welcomes when you do.
Reviewed By Joe H - New York
Honestly, Laphroaig is one of the few whiskies I really cannot drink. However, this has no bearing on the experience I had when visiting and the whole thing was excellent.
David, our guide, was absolutely magnificent. Nothing beats experience and it really was a pleasure for us to have someone like that take us round.
Nice touches in the visitor centre and I felt they had a grasp on what was required to deliver a good experience.
Friends of Laphroaig, marketing genius. What nonsense it is but we still stood around in a peaty bog looking for our plot! Hats off to the distillery.
2. Ardbeg Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 714 reviews
Reviewed By Joe H - New York
They need to remove the whole cafe to a separate building. The whole experience was too busy, crowded and just felt like processing farm.
Shame as the whisky is good, the staff were nice and Dionne(??) was excellent as a guide. You could tell she cared about the visitors and delivered an enjoyable experience.
As with Lagavulin, the standard around them are so high its hard not to leave feeling a little bit let down despite it actually being a good tour
3. Lagavulin Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By Westernhorizon - Colorado Springs, Colorado
I was visiting to meet with the staff regarding my Whisky & Heritage Tours and you take a look at the types of tours available to my small group tour guests.
Despite some rough weather and absences due to illness, Emma went above and beyond to give me a warm welcome and did a wonderful job showing me around the distillery grounds being sure to point out some of the new renovations in the process of being completed.
4. Kayak Wild Islay
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By RICHARDWF - Glasgow
We did a half day paddle with Dave and a couple of friends who have some experience paddling. We explored the bay in Port Ellen and it was a great introduction to sea kayaking for my wife and I. I managed to overturn a couple...MoreRichard and Margaret, thank you for your kind words. The fun was mutual! It was a pleasure to take you out and reassuring to know you weren't put off by having a few swims! Dave @ Kayak Wild Islay
5. 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.
6. Islay Sea Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
Based in Port Ellen Experience the unmissable marine life of the Island of Islay, including Islay's European Special Area of Conservation only viewable from the sea. As well as wildlife trips we also provide fishing trips, private charter and scuba diving trips to over 95 of Islay's 250 wrecks (experienced divers only). Please contact us for prices and availability. Whisky distillery tours have a look at your favourite distillery from the sea
Reviewed By pete-flint - North Wales
I wouldn't have believed it until I saw with my own eyes, Roe deer that swim from island to island off the coast of Islay !
We couldn't have picked a better day for our trip with Gus (Skipper and owner) on the RIB, out to explore the wildlife off the southern coast of Islay.
All kitted out by the crew, life-jackets,waterproofs, binoculars and "sweeties" for everyone.
The weather was excellent and the sea was calm, with the Skippers local knowledge we set off around the coastline.
Points of interest which you wouldn't see from the "mainland" and the multitude of bays along the coast were explored, the little secrets the locals know and the wildlife. Seals, plenty of them, basking in the Sunshine with their pups close by, the Skipper kept a respectful distance away as they spook easily, a good telephoto lens recommended.
Assisted by Peter (the spotter), Gus worked his way around the many Islands where the seals were located and we came across the deer, mostly Does, sunbathing or grazing near the waterline. It may be because the deer know they are safe from stalkers on the Islands or they just enjoy swimming, but they look happy enough there.
The Skipper told us, if we wanted fish and chips, there is a cracking chippie over in Ireland we could go to, just 55 minutes in his boat ! Lol.
With his knowledge and banter, Gus makes the sea adventure an excellent, worthwhile activity and an education for juniors too.
7. 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.
8. The Ardview Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By hannah m - Lanark, United Kingdom
I brought my dad over to the Island at his request and I would like to thank Janice, the bar person and the local people of Port Ellen for making his visit a memorable one. My dad thoroughly enjoyed spending a few hours reminiscing of his previous visits on the Island with my late mother. Thank you Janice, you are a delightful lady.
9. Islay Cycles
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By happywanderer1960
Hired 4 bikes and was pleasantly surprised off the fantastic quality and condition of the bikes ...fitted with everything needed to tour around ..i.e. panniers etc. ...price fantastic daily rate and owner totally trustworthy..def hire again wen back across next visit . 5 ***** Jim keep up the fantastic work
10. The Blue Letterbox (Port Ellen)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Stocking arts and craft made locally on Islay, Colonsay and Jura. Textiles, knitwear, jewellery, paintings, photography, slates, tiles, ceramics, wood, Jams and chutneys, books, maps, guides, postcards, greetings cards, gifts and much more. Tourist Information. Post Office counter for stamps, Bureau de Change, MoneyGram etc. Open Mon - Sat 0900-1730. Longer opening hours in the spring and summer.
Reviewed By Sue E
A great place for fridge magnets postcards and calendars. Little gifts for everyone and reasonable prices. Great and helpful talkative staff. Parking good. Service was excellent. Recommend to use this shop as not many on the island. Thank youThank you for your lovely comments! Hope to see you again!
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