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Port Charlotte, Islay

Islay Sea Adventures

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Port Askaig, Islay

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Coal Whisky, Islay

Isle of Islay

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Islay has a place in the heart of every whisky lover. Still, it’s not just the world-class distilleries that draw visitors to this beautiful, fertile and fascinating inner Hebridean island.

You’ll feel alive on Islay. Miles of pristine beaches. Spectacular wildlife and habitats. Invigorating walks and boat trips. Great food. World-class distilleries. The Inner Hebrides’ southernmost island, Islay, will inspire and move you.

There’s plenty for kids to do too, and Islay is a great place for an active family holiday in Scotland.

Islay has a varied geology, which in turn gives rise to a diverse range of natural habitats from moorland to peat bogs. Enjoy an outdoor adventure on Islay, with fantastic walking, cycling, golf, horse riding and kayaking on offer.

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains a great richness of expression. Here we have some lines from the Gaelic poetic tradition about Islay & Jura.

Ó mo ghaol air Ìle ’n fheòir
Far an d’ fhuair mi m’ àrach òg;
Oh my love for Islay of the grass
Where I got my early upbringing
(Trad.)

Islay & Jura

Gaelic with thanks to CHARTS

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Lift your spirits by taking time out on Islay

Outstanding wildlife, world class distilleries, beautiful beaches and impressive heritage. There's something for everyone

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Islay Sea Adventures

Birdwatching on Islay

Lagavulin Distillery

Islay Wollen Mill

Another Place, The Machrie

Ardbeg Distillery

Visit Islay - The Whisky Isle

Scotland's Adventure Coast

The stunning beaches and mesmerising wilderness of the Inner Hebridean island of Islay will fill you with joy.

Islay is home to a vast variety of birds and wildlife, big unblemished skies, and, of course, world-famous distilleries. They will have you relaxing with peace, tapping your toes to traditional music, or tantalising your taste buds with quality local produce.

Islay is famed for its friendly locals, overwintering geese and miles of sandy beaches. The island also has a unique seafaring heritage and numerous fascinating archaeological sites, including standing stones, forts and duns, as well as Finlaggan, the former headquarters of the Lord of the Isles.

For many, a trip to Islay is the ultimate whisky experience. This tiny wee island boasts ten working distilleries producing whiskies that genuinely reflect their environment with a characteristic peaty flavour and a hint of salty air and seaweed. All the distilleries offer tours, and each has something special to offer. And for the truly devoted, with a bit of planning, yes, it is possible to do them all in a day!

Kilchoman and Ardnahoe are the newest distilleries, while Bowmore is thought to be one of the oldest in Scotland, notable for malting its own barley. At Caol Ila, you can see large-scale production, while Bruichladdich is refurbished in the old Victorian style. Ardberg produces one of the peatiest flavours while Bunnahabhain produces a milder, unpeated whisky. Lagavulin produces one of Scotland’s most famous whiskies, while Laphroaig is said to be a favourite tipple of King Charles III.

With these distilleries, it isn’t a case of ‘you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all’!

Islay Info can help you plan every aspect of your trip.

Top reasons to visit Islay

Big skies, soaring eagles, red deer and peaty malts; here’s why you should visit our special Hebridean island.

10 Whisky Distilleries

5 Castles

2 RSPB reserves

1 Links Golf Course

Watersports

Wildlife Spotting

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All you need to know about visiting Islay

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4 Ways to enjoy the wonderful wildlife of Islay

The Hebridean island of Islay is one of the most wildlife-rich places on the west coast of Scotland. Here’s how to enjoy the wonderful wildlife of Islay.

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15 of the Best Scottish Whisky to Try in Argyll & the Isles

Discover 15 of the best Scottish whisky whilst exploring Argyll & the Isles. Home to world-class distilleries, we are the perfect whisky holiday destination.

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Visiting Islay? Why you can’t miss out on Jura!

What makes Jura so special? There is nowhere quite like it in Scotland. Mountainous, wild and sparsely populated, it couldn’t be more different from Islay.

Islay on YouTube

Immerse yourself in all things Islay by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist, featuring food and drink, activities, and much more!

Watch YouTube

Getting here

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Planning your journey

Travelling to and from Islay and Jura is a 2 hour ferry crossing from Kennacraig on the Kintyre pennisual which can be reached by car or by bus.

If travelling by car to Jura, take the Islay ferry from Kennacraig before taking the short connecting ferry from Port Askaig across to Jura. If by foot, take the passenger only service to Craighouse on Jura, from Tayvallich near Lochgilphead.

You can even fly to Islay from Glasgow.