The Isle of Islay, Scotland and the reasons why Islay is worth visiting.

Why Islay is worth visiting:

The Isle of Islay is one of many Scottish islands worth visiting. Islay is an accessible island in the Inner Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland, situated off the Mull of Kintyre. Also known as the Queen of The Hebrides, Islay is well known for its peated whisky, scenery, wildlife and history. Just some of the reasons why Islay is worth visiting.

Whisky

With a population of over 3000, Islay is a popular tourist destination. The island attracts visitors from all over the world. Islay has nine active distilleries in operation so if you are a whisky fan, Islay is worth visiting for the distilleries alone. The island is a haven for whisky fans, with distilleries offering tours all year round and is host to the annual Festival of Music and Malt at the end of May. Organise your trip for whisky week as early as possible. Accommodation gets booked up years in advance with guests returning year after year! Whisky is Islay’s most famous export and is easily distinguished by it’s peaty taste.

While much of the economy on Islay benefits greatly from the visiting tourists that the whisky brings, there are many more reasons to visit Islay. The island of Islay has much more to offer than just whisky…..

Beaches and coastline

If you plan visiting Islay, expect stunning beaches and deserted coast lines that look out across the Atlantic Ocean and towards our neighbouring island of Jura.

The biggest beach on Islay stretches for seven miles between Bowmore and Port Ellen and is known as the Big strand. Another favourite beach on Islay is Machir Bay on the west coast, along a single track road past Kilchoman Distillery. The view from Machir Bay is nothing but Atlantic Ocean.

Saligo Bay on Islay is another amazing beach on the same coast which you will often get all to yourself. Saligo Bay is one of the best beaches to catch Islay’s stunning sunsets across all seasons.

Towards the north of Islay you will find an uninhabited and rugged coastline that looks north towards Colonsay and Mull. The area is known as Bolsa and offers a vast network of caves, cliffs and natural arches. The walk here and back from either Gruinart or Bunnahabhain takes a full day so set off early and pack some lunch.

Wildlife

Islay is worth visiting as it is home to an array of wildlife. It also has it’s own RSPB nature reserve if you are a keen bird watcher. When visiting Islay, deer, otters, birds of prey, dolphins and seals are often spotted along its shores or in the hills.

A favourite spot, where you will often find success in catching a glimpse of Islay’s wildlife is towards the north of the island in Bunnahabhain. Head north along the coast from the distillery to explore the shoreline. Here you will see dolphins, birds of prey and most definitely a few seals who often follow you along the shore. The area is also home to the famous Bunnahabhain otters, as featured on BBC’s Springwatch.

History

On Islay you will also find several areas of notable historical significance which are worth visiting. The Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte is a locally run museum, documenting the lives of Islay people and holds many artefacts from Islay’s past.

The American Monument in the Mull of Oa and stands on cliff tops on the south west coast of Islay. It was built to commemorate the sinking of two American war ships off the Islay coast during World War One.

The site of Finlaggan towards the the north of Islay was the former seat of the Lord of the Isles, under the ownership of Clan Donald. The current Lord of the Isles is Prince Charles, who along with the Queen has visited Islay on several occasions.

Another area of historical interest worth visiting on Islay is the Round Church in Bowmore. Unique in shape, the church began being built in 1767 and stands at the top of the Main Street. One of very few of its kind, it is said to have been built round, so that the devil can’t hide in any corners.

Where to stay

Convinced that Islay is worth visiting? If you are visiting Islay you will need somewhere to stay and Islay is not short of accommodation options.

The Alma Cottage lodge self catering accommodation in Bowmore is worth visiting Islay for alone. The Alma Cottage lodge is a cosy one bedroom self catering lodge situated on the shores of Loch Indaal, just 5 minutes walk from the centre of Bowmore and all it’s amenities.

The lodge is literally on the water’s edge and the open plan living room and kitchen offers breathtaking views across the loch towards Bowmore and beyond to Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte.

The accommodation is well equipped and has it’s own log burning stove which keeps the whole lodge heated in the winter months. It is the perfect spot for sitting back and enjoying the view with a dram of Bowmore.

The lodge is available to book all year round. To enquire about availability and rates please get in touch with Linda via email at linda.fraser1@btinternet.com and quote ‘Simply The West’.

Getting there

Visiting Islay is relatively easy, the island is serviced by Cal Mac ferries with regular services running throughout winter and summer. The ferry journey takes around two hours and departs from Kennacraig on the Mull of Kintyre in Argyll, arriving at either Port Ellen or Post Askaig on Islay.

Driving to Kennacraig from Glasgow takes around two hours or City Link provide a regular bus service that meets the ferry.

Loganair operate daily flights from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports which arrive at Islay Airport at Glenegedale half way between Bowmore and Port Ellen.

www.calmac.co.uk

www.loganair.co.uk

www.citylink.co.uk

www.booking.com

Check out the above websites for booking your journey and accommodation to Islay.

Islay unsurprisingly doesn’t have Uber but has a number of reliable local taxis which offer pick ups and tours across the island. There is also a bus service that operates during the day.

Islay Prints

Islay prints and poster designs that showcase the best of this Inner Hebridean island. Nothing beats Islay for stunning beaches, wildlife, picturesque villages and single malt whisky so come and explore the Islay prints collection for a sample of Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides.

Shop now

This page contains an affiliated link with Booking.com, any bookings made through this link with earn me a small commison at no extra cost to you whatsoever.