Islay Activities and Info

Islay is a stunning island and has a lot to offer for everyone, from beautiful beaches to whisky distilleries, walking tours or many more outdoor activities. Below is a wee selection of things to do on islay. For a comprehensive overview of the island we highly recommend the Islay Info website as well as the Islay Blog for the latest news and background information.

Islay has eight whisky distilleries, soon to be ten when Gartbreck and Ardnahoe open. All of which run guided tours throughout the summer, some through the winter too. The distilleries are: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Kilchoman. The neighbouring Isle of Jura also has a whisky distillery.

Fishing
There are 13 fly fishing lochs on the island as well as a salmon river and miles of sea coastline to fish. If that’s not enough you can also charter a local boat to take you out to the deeper waters of the sea/loch. Boat hire and day permits for Loch Gorm are available from your property manager at £15.00/day.

Golfing
The Machrie Golf Links course is 2 miles from Port Ellen on the ‘low road’ to Bowmore.

Heritage
If it’s people or history that is your thing then try The Finlaggan Trust, The Museum of Islay life, Port Charlotte and The Columba Centre Bowmore and the Tourist Information Centre, also in Bowmore

Walking
There are various walk guides available from the Tourist Information Office in Bowmore, Tel: – 01496 810 254. For a comprehensive section of walks on islay visit Islay Info Walks

Birdwatching
The RSPB reserve at Loch Gruinart is closeby and for other natural attractions the Islay Wildlife Information Centre in Port Charlotte 01496 850 288 can provide details and most likely locations

Entertainment
During the holiday and festival season the local pubs/hotels usually have live music and a good ‘crack’ can be had by all. Check the Ileach, our local newspaper for what’s on while you are here or visit www.islayevents.co.uk