Location: Port Ellen
Top Things to do in Port Ellen
Top Restaurants in Port Ellen
The 5 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Port Ellen, Scotland
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
5.0 based on 1,093 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 nature-travel-12 - Leeds, United Kingdom
We had a great distillery tour! Very interesting. Lovely friendly and welcoming staff. A great range of choices in the gift shop! Extensive museum. Cosy ‘cafe’ area! A free small bottle for us as we arrived as ‘friends of laphroig’, another free ‘welcome whisky’ in the cafe before the tour, and 3 tasters after, all for the total price of £10! Amazing. We also enjoyed heading out to the field to place our ‘plot’ flag. All in all a great experience and we’d really recommend it!
2. The Blue Letterbox (Port Ellen)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Stocking arts and crafts made locally on Islay, Colonsay and Jura. Textiles, knitwear, jewellery, paintings, photography, slates, tiles, ceramics, wood, jams, local honey and chutneys, books, maps, guides, postcards, greetings cards, gifts and much more. Tourist Information. Post Office counter for stamps, currency exchange, MoneyGram, cash withdrawals for UK bankcards etc. Open Mon - Sat 0900-1730.
Reviewed By dannyj581 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Nice little gift shop and the gentleman behind the counter was extremely pleasant and polite. Great for small gifts.
3. Ardbeg Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 929 reviews
Reviewed By FandCNotts
Went on the tour of the distillery and tasting. Being in the off season February I feel we got an extra personal service. Emma our tour guide was really knowledgeable and passionate about the place and the product, the tour was the most informative and interesting out of all the ones I went on. The whiskey is off course top notch, we got to try whatever we liked. The setting of the distillery is breath taking. Loved the Old Kiln restaurant so much went back twice. The pies were so tasty! There is also a path so if the weather allows you can take in the views and have a beautiful walk between Ardbeg, Laphroig and Lavgavulin distilleries. I love everything about Ardbeg and hope to be back one day!
4. Lagavulin Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 839 reviews
Following Scottish Government guidelines through their phased re-opening approach, the time has come to open our doors and welcome back our visitors from 26th April 2021. To ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees and visitors, we will be implementing a number of precautionary measures. Find out how we are keeping you safe on our website before you visit us.
5. The Ardview Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By margie_may - Ann Arbor, United States
This was right down the street from our rental. It is a small local pub, does get some tourists. Great place to unwind. A few beers on tap and an incredible whisky selection. They have every standard Islay whisky and a few bottles you can only find on Islay. Great little jukebox and the locals had a very eclectic mix playing. There was even one older lady who stopped in with her huge dog (I think it was a Husky). Definitely worth stopping at
