Top Things to do in Islay
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Islay, Scotland
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. Lossit Bay
2. Finlaggan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By Purpledancinglion - Stewarton, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit to this historic settlement. Unfortunately the visitor centre wasnt open as we visited on the first sunday in November. so missed the VR experience. Despite this well worth our time. ground was pretty marshy, walking boots were a good choice of foot wear.
3. Kildalton Cross
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
Part of ancient history you can sense the celts all around you as you wander through the ruins of the isolated church. The monolithic cross which dates back to the 8th century is one of the best preserved in Scotland and the cross itself is worth a careful study. If you have time and the weather is kind to you a wander around the area is worthwhile.
4. Kilnave Cross
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 205RichardB - London, United Kingdom
Kilnave is a pretty little chapel, set on the shore of Loch Gruinart, as you head along the road to Ardnave. Well worth the two minute walk down the track from the road (accessed via a gate opposite a discrete pull in with no sign for it), it’s a pretty distinctive place with a magical view. Free as well, with fresh sea air built in to boot. A pleasant ten minute diversion from the Barnacle Geese!
5. Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By JC0453 - Devon, United Kingdom
The village is very picturesque too. If you're lucky, you can see some seals basking on the rocks and fishing for their lunch.
6. American Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By johnboyPeterborough
The walk from the car park to the monument is around a mile and although the day was a bit wet and very windy it was a good bracing walk The views back across the land and out to sea are superb particularly the raw and wild beauty of the Mull of Oa The monument itself which commemorates the several hundred lives lost from 2 troop ships in 1918 is very impressive. It was built by the American Red Cross and honouring their military is something the Americans seem to do particularly well
7. Dunyvaig Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 985harryk - Leven, United Kingdom
I used to live on Islay and would often walk my dogs around the castle. I would regularly see otters around the castle and even crossing my path when walking.
8. Loch Indaal
9. Kilchoman Military Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Scotlandmac - Glasgow, United Kingdom
We stopped off at the cemetery having been up Turnaichaidh Hill.It's a beautiful place, albeit so evocative and sad - those poor men who died in the cold sea, so close to land.The ages of some make it particularly heart breaking. Immaculately kept as War Cemeteries are, with wildflowers growing neatly below each grave. A fine tribute and final resting place for these men.The history of the troop ship tragedy can be read at the American Monument , Mull of Oa.
