Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival 2024

Celebrate whisky and Islay with friends

Islay is, on the whole, a relaxing, quiet and thoughtful island. It’s the perfect place to visit to get back to nature and enjoy some time to yourself. However for ten days in the summer, things perk up quite a lot. If you visit during the Fèis Ìle, then you might find us to be a little more excitable than usual! We regularly welcome guests to Islay Cottages during this festival, and without doubt they have a wonderful time.

This annual festival is an absolute highlight of our calendar. Fèis Ìle means Islay Festival and it’s the time of year whisky lovers and fans of Islay come together to enjoy our culture, food and drink together. Over ten days, there are events, tastings, dances and much more. It runs from the 24th May until the 2nd June 2024 with things to do all over the island. Join us in our shared passion for the water of life.

Festival origins

Fèis Ìle can trace its roots back to 1984 when it began as a small gathering to celebrate Islay’s rich whisky heritage. Over the years it grew and developed, evolving into a week-long extravaganza, attracting thousands of visitors to our little island.

Distilleries have taken it upon themselves to embrace the festival and really showcase their finest drams. From Lagavulin to Laphroaig, enthusiasts can sample exclusive releases and limited editions from world-renowned distilleries. It’s a great opportunity to buy a bottle to take back home as a present. It’s also a good time to take one back to your Islay Cottage for a cosy night in!

What to do at Fèis Ìle

There are plenty of diverse activities available at Fèis Ìle to keep everyone engaged. Whether you are a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a newcomer to the drink (and island) you will be made most welcome. Head on to enjoy a distillery tour and see how this magical drink is made, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and maturation. Take part in masterclasses led by experts to really get to grips with all the intricacies involved in creating these whiskies, and what makes one different from one another.

There are also musical performances, wildlife tours, art exhibitions and of course ceilidh dances to ensure all visitors are immersed in Islay’s rich heritage beyond whisky.

Fèis Ìle is more than just a celebration of whisky. It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and Islay as a whole. So what better place to spend your time here than at Islay Cottages? Situated near Bowmore, our cottages provide luxurious yet homely retreats when visiting Islay. Find out more about our cottages and book your stay for Fèis Ìle 2024.