Explore Islay
from Islay Sea Shore
The nearest amenities are two miles away in the coastal town of Port Ellen, including fuel station, post office, laundry, hotel, restaurant, cafe and shops. Bowmore with a larger selection of amenities including the MacTaggart Leisure Centre and swimming pool is only 10 miles away.
Five miles from Islay Seashore are Islay Airport and the Machrie Golf Links and Hotel, flanked by 7 miles of golden beach known as The Strand.
The Three Distilleries path connecting Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg is a short drive along the coast from the house.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife...
seals
Otters
Herons
Seabirds
Wild Goats
Highland Cows
Explore Islay
from Islay Sea Shore
The Isle of Islay, known as ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ is a magical place which captures the heart of visitors and lures them back time and time again.
Islay has miles of golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, spectacular scenery and an abundance of flora and fauna.
The island has a rich and fascinating history documented back to the Middle ages and there is much to explore of historical, archeological and geological interest. For a small island Islay offers an outstanding array of activities to enjoy on land and sea.
Whether or not you enjoy a ‘dram’ the 9 distilleries on the island are well worth a visit. Many have visitors centres with fabulous cafes, restaurants and shops stocked with local products.
Golfers, sailors, kayakers, paddle-boarders, surfers, cyclists, swimmers, ramblers, twitchers, foodies and shoppers are all superbly well catered for.
However, should you be in search of peace and tranquility then there is no better place to just be still, look, listen and breathe.
Things to do on Islay
Sea kayak and fat bike tours
Clay pigeon shooting
Islay museum
Islay museum of Islay Life, Port Charlotte www.islaymuseum.org
Leisure centre, Bowmore
Birdwatching
over 270 species of bird identified Loch Gruinart RSPB nature reserve www.rspb.org.uk
Islay Woollen mill
The American Monument
The American Monument on the Oa peninsula
Cycle hire
Golf
Golf at The Machrie www.campbellgrayhotels.com
Boat trips
Boat trips including for distillery trips, island hopping, fishing, nature and to the Corryveckan
www.islay-sea-adventures.co.uk
whirlpools
Visit the Corryveckan whirlpool - 3rd largest in the world!
www.Islay-sea-adventures.co.uk
Distilleries
Distilleries tours and visits. Caol Ile is currently closed for
construction work. The Three Distilleries Walk is a welcome pedestrian path between Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.
www.laphroaig.com
www.lagavulindistillery.com
www.lagavulindistillery.com
www.bruichladdich.com
www.bunnahabhain.com
www.bowmore.com
www.kilchomandistillery.com
www.ardnahoedistillery.com
Finlaggan visitor centre
Island hopping
Visit Jura and Colonsay with Calmac
Shopping
Shopping - There are lots of independent shops on the island supplying a wide range of local products and produce as well as foods from around the world.
Food
Enjoy an impressive array of fresh seafood, meat, bread, cakes, fruit and vegetables available from local suppliers.
Eating out
There are many lovely places to eat on Islay including:
The Islay Hotel
Sea Salt Bistro
Peatzeria
The Port Charlotte
The Bowmore Hotel
Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen
Kilchoman Distillery Cafe
Festivals
Festivals including
the renowned Music and Malt Festival
‘Feis Ile’
usually starts last weekend in May;
Jazz Festival
usually Mid-September;
Book Festival
for next years dates;
Cantilena Festival
Getting Here
Islay is easily accessible by sea and air. We highly recommend booking your ferry or flight before booking your accommodation. Access is through wooden gates, up a gravel driveway to the covered entrance porch with bench - perfect to kick off and store sandy shoes and kit. Accommodation is all on one level and accessible using the gently sloping ramp to the rear.
By Ferry
Caledonian MacBrayne have a regular ferry service to Islay from the mainland
calmac.co.uk
By Boat
Docking at Port Ellen means you are only a few minutes drive from Islay Seashore. Port Askaig is 20 miles away.
By Air
Loganair provide the 25 minute flight service to Islay from Glasgow
loganair.co.uk
By Car
Car rental is available from
islay Car Hire and Cresswell Cars
By Taxi
Taxi services are plentiful including
Lamb Taxi Islay
and Carol's Cabs
By Bus
Bus timetables can be downloaded via
argyll-bute.gov.uk
By Bike
Bikes can be rented from
Islay Cycles and
Islay eWheels