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 Bowmore, you can take a distillery tour and learn all about the whisky-making process and Bowmore’s heritage. You can also visit the Bowmore Whisky Tasting Bar. This is a welcoming bar with spectacular views across Lochindaal. Where experts are on hand to help you find your perfect dram.

Please note that currently, experiences must be booked in advance. See Bowmore Experiences for the latest details.

Fèis Ìle

If you visit during the Fèis Ìle whisky festival (usually in the last week of May), Bowmore Distillery and the other distilleries on Islay welcome visitors for a programme of whisky tasting experiences, tours and talks. This is a magical experience for all whisky lovers!

Get in touch

If you need any help or advice when booking your accommodation, please get in touch with our friendly team. And be sure to check our latest special offers for the best deal.

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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 sharing some of the reasons we love spring on Islay so much. So if you’re planning a spring break in Scotland, make sure you come and visit us here on Islay.

Nature springs to life

In spring, nature wakes up and creates a stunning spectacle. Making the wild Islay landscapes all the better to explore. Plants and trees become green and lush again, and flowers burst into full bloom. Look out for daffodils, bluebells and primroses – all sure signs that spring has sprung. On the coast, you might see otters, seals and wading birds such as lapwings and plovers. And at this time of year, we’d recommend a visit to Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve. This is a wonderful wildlife site with a range of habitats, such as mudflats, saltmarsh, grassland, moorland, bogland and woodland, where you can see a wide variety of birds and other animals. This is the time when many animals begin their mating displays, which can be fascinating to watch. You may encounter unusual bird calls and dances, hear roe deer making barking alarm calls, or even spot brown hares boxing. Look for peregrine, hen harriers, corncrakes, white-tailed eagles and golden eagles too.

Weather warms up

The weather warms up in spring, with average temperatures ranging from 4-9 °C in March, up to 8-14°C in May. Chance of rain is about 38%. Which means, warmer, drier days are on the way. So you can spend more time outdoors, taking in the sights of Islay. Some of our favourite outdoor places to visit in spring include the beautiful Machir Bay or a walk to Dunyvaig Castle. But don’t worry if it does rain, it’s the perfect excuse to retreat indoors to one of the whisky distilleries Islay is most famous for, such as Bowmore, Kilchoman or Caol Ila.

Days get longer

We get more hours of daylight as spring arrives on Islay, stretching from 10 hours at the start of March to 17 hours at the end of May. And don’t forget that the clocks go forward by one hour on Sunday 27th March this year, extending daylight into the evenings. So you can really make the most of your days here. Why not use the time to take a longer walk? There are many Islay walks to choose from of differing levels and distances. And after a busy day, enjoy a delicious meal at our Peatzeria restaurant in Bowmore. Where you can take advantage of those last few hours of daylight with outdoor seating overlooking the magnificent Lochindaal, or head indoors for cosy, welcoming dining.

Spring activities and attractions

And as we move out of winter, more activities and attractions open up on the island. For example, Islay Sea Adventures boat tours, which start up in April. Or the Museum of Islay Life, which re-opens around Easter. And if you’re looking for wildlife walks, fishing trips, bird watching, field sports and other guided trips, Islay Outdoors can tailor your experience based on the time of year and your interests.

Spring offers and menus

So, check out our seasonal offers at Islay Cottages and book your spring break on Islay, Scotland, today! With a choice of self-catering accommodation, there’s something for everyone.

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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 by car. We’ve put together some of our favourite places to visit – and what to do when you get there!

Port Charlotte

This is regarded by many as “the most beautiful village” on the island. It was founded by the Member of Parliament and Laird of Islay, Walter Frederick Campbell in 1828. This charming little place was named after Campbell’s mother, Lady Charlotte Campbell Bury. A slightly larger village on the island, it was built to house the workers of the Lochindaal Distillery, which opened in 1829. You may have heard this distillery referred to as the Port Charlotte Distillery, or Rhinns Distillery. And sadly, this was one distillery not to last… it closed in 1929, just over 100 years from its opening. But its buildings still remain and some are now in use by a Youth Hostel and the Islay Natural History Trust.

Port Charlotte is where you will find the Museum of Islay Life, documenting life on the island over the past 12,000 years. Exhibits include reconstructions from archaeological excavations of prehistoric sites on the island. It’s a fascinating look at how people used to live here on Islay. 

Bruichladdich

Just north of Port Charlotte is the village of Bruichladdich, with a distillery at its heart. Built in 1881, by brothers Robert William and John Gourlay Harvey, Bruichladdich was specifically designed to produce the purest unpeated spirit possible. But the distillery has been opened and closed variously throughout the years. In more recent years it has been taken over by the drinks giant Remy Cointreau, and today it is a successful business. It is a place you can visit on your trip to taste and buy some delicious drinks. Tours are available when possible, but it is wise to get in touch beforehand to check they are running. 

And of course, Bruichladdich Distillery bought the rest of the old Lochindaal Distillery buildings and have created a new whisky distillery and gin distillery. As such they have become a very popular whisky brand from Isaly… and gin! The Botanist is now one of Scotland’s most popular gins. Here you can enjoy super tours, cocktail making and tasting sessions, and a wonderful shop.

Portnahaven Village

These are two separate villages close together that share many things – including a church! Each village has its own entrance (you can choose which side to enter from yourself!). 

Portnahaven has a small sheltered harbour which is often home to grey seals basking in the island sun. Along the seaside, you’ll enjoy whitewashed houses looking out over the water. It was built during the 19th century, as a fishing and crofting villager and offers a slice of history for explorers. So, step back in time and walk amongst the quaint buildings whilst listening to the waves lapping on the rocks. Or, take to the water’s edge, and stunning enjoy views of the opposite bay of Orsay Island. And here you will also find the famous Rhinns of Islay lighthouse, which was built in 1825. Still today the lantern can be seen some 40 kilometres away at sea. This is a great spot for a walk and a picnic on the rocks, whilst spotting for seals.

Port Wemyss

And whilst you are down this way, pop along next door to the lovely Port Wemys, built in 1832. Again, this village was built to encourage fishing and take people away from farming the lands. And as a fishing village, the catch would be cured and traded in Ireland. As such, the village has strong ties with the Irish and enjoys a Celtic shop.

As well as plenty of history, in Port Wemyss you will find a coastal path that is great to stroll along; it’s not a long path, but over its course, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins out at sea. With these villages being so close, in past times, they shared one church, but with separate doors for the people of each village to enter.

Kilchoman

Home of Islay Cottages, Kilchoman is an area of Islay that is one of the most ancient on the islands. Although the current church was built in 1827, an older medieval church existed on the site before then. Nearby is our wonderful Machir Bay which has both a rocky area and sandy beach. It’s also the site of many shipwrecks!

Nearby, Kilchoman Distillery produces its delicious single malt whisky. It’s a great trip out, especially if you are staying with us at Kilchoman House. Set in 37 acres and over 200 years old, it’s a great place to kick back with a dram and enjoy the serenity island life can offer.

Ardnave

Ardnave Point is a wonderful area to visit if you enjoy history. It is here in the sandy grasslands of the Ardnave peninsula that evidence of intermittent human activity spanning some seven thousand years from Mesolithic times to the Early Historic period has been found. Some of the objects found here, including a hearth, are on display in Islay Museum.

There is some wonderful walking along this part of Islay’s coast, with plenty of wildlife to be spotted. Keep your eye out for mysterious-looking pools, which were once used to keep lobsters fresh for sale!

Bowmore 

The capital of Islay is Bowmore, and it is very likely that you will visit this town at some point during your stay. There are around 1,000 people who stay here, and so the town has all the facilities and amenities that you could need. 

One particularly pleasant thing to do here is to visit the Bowmore Round Church. They say it is round so there are no corners for the devil to hide in! It’s beautifully decorated and is certainly worth a visit. And here you will also find Bowmore distillery and a lovely harbour to explore. Bowmore is one of the main villages on the island of Islay, and as such, here you will find shops, a petrol station, eco-car chargers, and amenities.

And don’t forget to also pay a visit to Peatzeria, our very own restaurant and home to delicious Italian food! Peatzeria is one of the most popular restaurants on Islay, and as such is rated the best Islay restaurant on TripAdvisor.

Wherever you visit on Islay, from small hamlets to larger towns, you are sure to enjoy the peace and tranquillity our beautiful island can offer. Islay villages offer the chance to get away from it all and dream of what life could be like living on an island like Islay. Book a stay with us today.

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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 travelling 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. As you leave the clunk of the ferry ramp behind, the stunning Hebridean island of Islay unfolds before your eyes and all those worries start to fade away as you breathe in the fresh sea air. So the only thing that potentially needing thinking about is…’what shall we see and do on our holiday?’ Well, you need not worry as we have done the leg work for you and created your very own, bespoke top 5 things to do on Islay.

Islay Sea Adventures

Step on board a 38ft Revenge Charter with Islay Sea Adventures at the marina of Port Ellen and soak up the view of Islay and its marine life. For those fishers amongst you can book fishing trips and those with a more daring disposition you can arrange to go diving and view some of the 97 wrecks off the coast off Islay.

Whisky Distillery Tours

No trip to Islay would be complete without visiting at least one of their eight prestigious whisky distilleries. This unique island produces some of the strongest flavoured Single Malt Whiskies in Scotland.

The Museum Of Islay Life

This quaint little church house in Port Charlotte many items reflecting the history of Islay with around 2,000 objects from a variety of subjects. The Museum of Islay Life exhibits items from Mesolithic times to recent including artefacts found from archaeological investigations and rooms displaying how the inside of a croft would have once looked.

Islay Beaches

You come to an island and you expect a beach or at least the sea! The Islay coastline spans 130 miles and hosts some the worlds most scenic beaches. Here you can also observe some of Islay’s wildlife including seals, and many species of bird. For some wild swimming you can choose from the following safest beaches to take a dip if you dare!: Laggan Bay, Loch Gruinart and Loch Indaal.

The Isle of Jura

If you fancy a trip across the water it is a skip, hop and a jump where you can visit the equally stunning Isle of Jura, Islay’s neighbouring island. Simply board the ferry for a 15 minute crossing that separates the two islands and prepare to be wowed! People on this island are outnumbered by deer, with only 180 of the two-legged variety and 5,000 of the four-legged!

Whatever you choose to do, rest assured that here at Islay Cottages you can return to the most relaxing and cosy accommodation in one of our cottages or our stunning Georgian Kilchoman house. You will not want to leave! Find more great things to do during your stay with our Islay Guide.

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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 nine 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 every single one of the whisky distilleries on Islay.

Kilchoman Distillery

Right on the doorstep of our very own Kilchoman Cottages, is the aptly named Kilchoman Distillery. This is a relatively new player to the Islay whisky scene, arriving in 2005. It was the first new distillery to the island in 124 years!

The Kilchoman Distillery is unique because they hand-craft their whisky from barley that they grow on their own farm land, on site. Making it Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. It’s also one of only a few remaining independent whisky distilleries.

Bowmore Distillery

 Bowmore Distillery is the oldest distillery on Islay, dating from 1779 or even earlier.

This is a wonderful place to take a tour (there are several to choose from) and learn about whisky history and heritage. It’s also home to the Bowmore Whisky Tasting Bar. A welcoming bar with spectacular views across Loch Indaal, and experts on hand to help you find your perfect dram.

Caol Ila Distillery

If whisky is your thing, then a trip to the Caol Ila Distillery is simply a must. Its Gaelic name translates as “sound of Islay” and you should pronounce it “cull-eela”.  This distillery is about a mile north from Port Askaig. Founded in 1846, the distillery has seen closure and re-opening due to major events such as the Second World War.

Today, the whisky distillery produces around 7 million litres of the spirit each year. Caol Ila distillery is also the market leader on Islay, producing well over double the volume of whisky as the other distilleries on the island. As Islay’s giant, a tour around the Caol Ila distillery is a must-visit attraction for any whisky enthusiast.

Ardbeg Distillery

The peaty flavour of Ardbeg Distillery whisky is favoured by millions across the world. Using malted barley dried with peat smoke, a deep, smoky flavor is imparted. The distillery itself, with its iconic whitewashed buildings and black-topped pagoda roofs, is not only a haven for whisky enthusiasts but also a significant landmark on Islay, reflecting the island’s robust whisky culture.

Ardbeg Distillery offers a variety of tours that provide an immersive experience into the art of whisky making. Visitors can choose from several tour options, each designed to cater to different levels of interest and knowledge. The Quintessential Ardbeg Tour gives an overview of the distillery’s history, the whisky-making process, and includes a tasting of some of Ardbeg’s finest expressions. If you want a more in-depth experience, then an Evening Behind Closed Doors offers an extensive tasting session with private evening access, showcasing the distillery’s core range along with special releases.

Ardnahoe Distillery

Ardnahoe Distillery is the new kid on the block, founded in 2018. It has quickly garnered attention for its commitment to producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky using time-honored techniques, including the use of worm tub condensers and wooden washbacks, which contribute to its distinctive peaty flavour profile.

Ardnahoe Distillery offers a range of tours designed to give visitors an intimate look into its whisky-making process. The Spirit Of Ardnahoe provides an overview of the distillery’s operations, finishing in their bespoke dramming area with a 15ml sample and a glass to take home.

Bruichladdich Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery is renowned for its innovative approach to whisky-making while maintaining deep-rooted traditions. Established in 1881 and resurrected in 2001, Bruichladdich stands out for its commitment to using 100% Scottish barley and its practice of slow distillation to craft uniquely complex and flavorful single malt whiskies. The distillery produces a diverse range of whiskies, from the unpeated Bruichladdich Classic to the heavily peated Port Charlotte and the ultra-peated Octomore, each reflecting the distillery’s ethos of craftsmanship and quality.

Bruichladdich Distillery offers an array of tours that provide a comprehensive and engaging whisky experience. Take a guided walk around their Victorian distillery, with a tasting at the end. Alternatively you could even enjoy a warehouse tasting experience, with sample bottles and a complimentary glass at the end.

Bunnahabhain Distillery

On the rugged northeast coast of Islay sits Bunnahabhain Distillery. Creating distinctively smooth and lightly peated single malt Scotch whiskies, it was established in 1881 and develops a signature unpeated Islay Single Malt Whisky. The distillery’s remote location, overlooking the Sound of Islay, contributes to the unique maritime character of its whiskies, which are matured in coastal warehouses for a signature briny undertone.

Bunnahabhain Distillery offers a variety of distillery experiences. Whisky tastings are held in their new Visitor Centre which boasts spectacular views across the Sound of Islay. Furthermore, their warehouse 9 tasting is one of our most popular tours, proving to be popular with whisky lovers. It ends with an exclusive tasting of delicious whisky taken straight from the cask.

Lagavulin Distillery

On the southern coast is Islay, Lagavulin Distillery is renowned for producing 1.4 million litres of some of the most robust and richly peated single malt Scotch whiskies in the world. Founded in 1816, Lagavulin’s whisky is celebrated for its intense smoky flavor, deep complexity, and long, elegant finish. The distillery’s picturesque location overlooking Lagavulin Bay adds to its charm, making it a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts and travelers exploring Islay’s storied whisky trail.

Lagavulin Distillery offers a range of tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into its traditional whisky-making process. The Lagavulin Distillery Classic Tour takes visitors through the history and production techniques and a three-dram tutored tasting, including a sample of their Distillery Exclusive bottling.

Laphroaig Distillery

Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815 and is consistently the highest selling whisky on Islay. Around 2.7 million litres of alcohol are distilled each year and has a strong, peaty flavour. It has a museum, shop and lounge bar to make for a pleasant day out.

A wide range of tours are available, from a simple tour of the distillery to more intensiveday-long experiences, some ending with the presentation of your very own iconic 10 Year Old whisky. A welcome end to a wonderful day.

Islay Whisky Breaks

Of course, visiting all these distilleries can be exhausting! But if you’re staying with us at Islay Cottages, you can relax after a hard day’s tasting and touring. So, book now and get planning your trip around the many whisky distilleries on Islay!

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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!

Walk hand in hand along our golden sandy beaches

If you enjoy a romantic stroll, then do it in style. With a huge choice of beautiful beaches to choose from you are spoilt for choice. From Machir Bay with its huge expanse of sand, Sanaigmore with its protected cove and Kilnaughton Bay, where in the right conditions the sand will ‘sing’ to you. Together, arm in arm, you can also watch the seals from Kilinallan and sing to them! The perfect setting for romance to blossom.

A romantic tipple for two

No break to Islay would be complete without a visit to one of our famous Islay whisky distilleries. Like our beaches, there are plenty to choose from! Some of the strongest malt whiskys come from Islay, which depending on your palette, you will love or not! If you want to treat your other half to something special, you can find out more about Distillery Tours on Islay.

You want a “Pizza” my heart?

If you fancy some delicious dining for two then head along to Islay’s very popular local restaurant! Peatzeria is a pizzeria (as you may have figured by the name) that offers a vast selection of delicious pizzas as well as a variety of other dishes. Furthermore, it boasts, stunning and romantic views over Lochindaal, where you and your loved one can share a ‘Lady and the Tramp’ moment over a bowl of pasta!

Snuggle up in each other’s arms…

Why not snuggle up by a roaring fire? Here at Islay Cottages, we have 5 cosy cottages and a stunning, large Georgian House at Kilchoman, in a rural setting with views of the sea. We also have an additional cottage in Bowmore which backs onto Lochindaal and boasts beautiful views. What is more, we have a fabulous romantic offer.  If you book with us you will receive a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne upon your arrival! All you need to do is light the fire and indulge yourselves!

Fall in love all over again…

If this has got sparks flying and you would like to come and stay with us then please get in touch. Be it romantic Scottish short breaks, weekend getaways or longer stays, we have it covered. And all with a sprinkling of romance!

You can call us on 01496 850 32 or you can book online. For online, you can view our tariffs and availability from the booking bar or the availability section in the main navigation. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing love bloom!

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Whisky tasting is a niche for some, and most people will tell you that the perfect whisky has this or has that, or is between this age and that age. The truth is, it’s all subject to personal taste. But what really makes a whisky a whisky? In our essential guide to whisky tasting we’ve picked things which might help you work out what’s for you and what’s not when it comes to this fine art.

Whisky “Experts”

The first thing you need to know, is someone who says they’re an expert when it comes to whisky tasting, and then proceeds to tell you what the best whisky is, is not an expert.

The truth is there is no such thing as an expert .. or even the perfect whisky. A whisky is a whisky and will appeal to different people with different tastes. Some people will tell you never to mix a whisky with anything other than water. While others will happily tell you their favourite whisky cocktail recipes.

Often, you will find the Islay locals will be more than willing to share their favourite malts with you. As they’ve had several years to explore the tastes of the local distilleries.

There is no such thing as a double or triple malt

Anybody who tries to sell you a “double malt” or a “triple malt” is having you on! There is no such thing.

Single malt simply means a whisky unblended with any other malt. So, anything other than a single malt is a blend. No ifs or buts about it!

It’s all about the barrel!

This might sound a bit cliche, but it’s true. The kind of barrel and where it is from has an impact on the flavour and composition of the whisky. Usually, whisky distilleries will use barrels that were previously used for alcohols such as sherry and therefore soaked in flavour. Furthermore, casks are usually made of oak.

The Key Malt Whiskies

The five most common types of Scotch Whisky, named after the area in Scotland where they are distilled:

• Islay Malts
• Highland Malts
• Strathspey Malts
• Lowland Malts
• Campbeltown Malts

Each of these whiskies have their own signature taste. Of course, a trip to Islay is incomplete without a whisky tasting session or two! Islay itself is home to eight whisky distilleries and with copious supplies of peat and fresh water on hand, Islay malts have arguably the strongest taste out of all the malt whiskies in the world. They are well known for their dry finish and particularly those from the southern part of the island are known for having quite the bite too!

Come and join us…

So without further adieu, we beckon you to come join us on the beautiful island of Islay and use this tasting guide to help you begin exploring the wonderful whisky offering of Islay!

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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? A writer’s retreat can work absolutely wonders … and Islay Cottages is the destination for you!

A Writer’s Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Whatever the block is to your creativity, the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is certain to help clear your mind. Benefit from a stroll across one of Islay’s twenty unspoilt beaches and meditate on the tranquillity that the remote island brings.

Enjoy one of Islay’s many nature trails. Or, if you’re looking to give your mind a complete break, why not hop onto one of Islay Sea Adventures for a wildlife spotting excursion! Spot seals and porpoises in their natural habitat whilst scaling the Islay coastline. If you’re in luck, you may just spot some basking sharks too!

Look to Islay’s sky to spot some of the rarest and most majestic birds in the world. Islay is home to over 100 species of bird including eagles, hawks, falcons, ospreys and buzzards.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Islay is also home to a rich culture and history. A quick visit to the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte will be a testament to that. Be inspired for writing the next chapter of your book with the Islay community and take the time to explore the eight active whisky distilleries on the island. Dip your toes into whisky tasting with a tour around Kilchoman Distillery, conveniently located a stone’s throw away from our lovely self-catering cottages.

Escape to Islay and beat Writer’s Block

An escape to tranquillity and serenity can only be a good thing for writer’s block. Why not kick back and relax at Islay Cottages? We’re sure your writer’s retreat will be nothing but soothing. Book now and get planning your trip to the Outer Hebrides!

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