Category Archives: Things to Do

Take an unforgettable trip to Islay and enjoy the stunning coastlines and countryside of our beautiful island with a road trip. Whatever time of year you visit, you will be able to enjoy beautiful scenery, explore hidden corners and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

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.

Hogmanay is what we call New Year’s Eve in Scotland. It’s a time of much celebration as we wave goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new with songs, fireworks and perhaps the odd dram of whisky.

Christmas is fast approaching, a time for families and friends to unite, celebrate and reflect. We don’t think there’s anywhere better to experience a traditional Scottish Christmas than right here on our beautiful island. There’s a great sense of community and togetherness here as we enter the festive period. And although…

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Jura Music Festival 2024 will take place from 27th to 20th September.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Jura Music Festival 2024 will take place from 27th to 20th September.

Islay is home to some truly magnificent natural beauty and Scottish wildlife. The island is a hot spot for wildlife and birdwatchers throughout the world and renowned for its offering of diverse and rare wild inhabitants. Planning a trip to Islay? Keep reading to find out more about wildlife spotting on Islay.

Do you dream of epic car tours through picturesque landscapes and charming villages? Look no further than the Isle of Islay…

Bowmore Distillery, Islay Bowmore Distillery is the oldest licenced whisky distillery on Islay. It has been producing whisky here since at least 1779 and it houses the No. 1 Vaults, one of the oldest Scotch maturation warehouses in the world. With such a long and rich history, this is a fascinating place to visit. At […]

Enjoy a spring break on Islay, Scotland As winter draws to an end, we are very much looking forward to spring. This is one of our favourite times of year. Nature is coming back to life, the weather is beginning to warm up, and there is a happy spring feeling in the air! Today, we’re […]

Beautiful Islay villages and towns Are you planning a trip to Islay? If so, then make sure you don’t miss out on some of the beautiful Islay villages and towns here on the Island. There are little hamlets, villages and towns dotted all over Islay, and they are all within easy reach of each other […]

Islay Prehistory The history of Islay goes back to when hunter-gatherers settled here many thousands of years ago. With the discovery of Mesolithic and Ice Age artefacts in the area, researchers have come to the conclusion that Islay was occupied from around 10,000 BC. You can see many of these ancient tools and other items […]

Things to do with Kids on Islay What will you get up to when staying in our family-friendly accommodation on Islay? There are plenty of things to do with kids on our beautiful Scottish island. Here are some of our favourites. Play on the Beach Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to […]

You spend that last week before your holidays tying up all your tasks. Then you start to pack the car, have those niggles with your traveling partner(s)- ‘did I switch the iron off, have you left food for the cat, you did lock the back door, didn’t you?….’ and you are finally on your way to the ferry.

Asides from Islay’s stunning natural beauty, if there’s one thing our island can hold a claim to fame about. And that’s producing world class malt whisky! Of course, with eight distilleries on the island alone, it can be hard to know where to begin. But don’t worry, we’re here to give you an insight into our favourite whisky distilleries on Islay.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands is one of the most magnificent places to visit on earth! But with our rugged landscapes and famously changeable Scottish weather, you might be wondering what to pack for a visit. So, here’s our list to give you a few pointers.

Are you looking for romantic breaks in Scotland? Then why not make an adventure of it and visit the stunning Scottish island of Islay? Islay is a perfect romantic getaway, with scenery and views to set any heart fluttering! With Valentines Day just around the corner, this could be the perfect gift for your loved one to get those sparks flying!

Dying to put pen to paper and churn out that next chapter of your debut novel? Perhaps you’ve simply had enough of your final year university dissertation? Writer’s retreats can work absolutely wonders … and Islay Cottages is the destination for you!